Varieties and Types of the Coffee Plant

When we talk about coffee, even when we drink it, we never think about where it comes from or how it's obtained. That's why today we would like to share in this post everything related to the varieties and types of the coffee plant. Some important facts you should know about the coffee plant include its characteristics, flowering, fruit maturation, and coffee harvest.

Our goal is to provide readers with basic knowledge about the coffee plant and this guide aims to share useful information.

First, let’s clarify that the coffee plant is known as “coffee tree”. Coffea arabica is the plant native to the lower slopes of the mountains in Angola and Ethiopia and usually grows up to 4.5 meters high. However, there are at least 40 different types of coffee plants, most of which are native to Africa.

Coffee Plant and Its Characteristics

What is the Coffee Plant Called?

As mentioned before, the coffee plant is known as the coffee tree, and it is a species of “coffea” from the “rubiaceae” family. It exists as a shrub identical to a tree that can measure from 4 to 10 meters in height. The special characteristic of these tropical plants is that they can simultaneously produce flowers and fruits at different stages of ripeness.

The coffee bean, as we know it, is the seed of the coffee tree and the fruits are similar to cherries. Each fruit contains two seeds lying with two flat sides against each other. The seeds are covered by mucilage, a parchment layer, and pulp.

Where Does the Coffee Plant Grow?

The coffee shrub originates from Africa, but nowadays it can be grown in many tropical regions around the world. It is said that this evergreen shrub can also be cultivated in pots and indoors, although it rarely exceeds 1.5 meters.

This plant is native to the lower slopes of the mountains in Ethiopia and Angola.

Some characteristics of the coffee plant: It has beautiful, slender stems and branches, ornamental, satin-like, dark green leaves. In mid-summer, beautiful star-shaped white flowers bloom. When the flowers die, though rarely, bright red buds emerge, each containing two coffee seeds or beans.

Flowering and Maturation of the Fruit

• The flowering of the coffee plant occurs in the third or fourth year after planting. At this stage, the shrub is about 2 meters tall. The coffee flower is from the Rubiaceae family and is characterized by its white color, with many flowers blooming next to each other.
• Drupa is the name given to the coffee fruit. The drupa is a fruit very similar to a cherry, turning red when it reaches maturity. When it first sprouts, it is a deep green, identical to the coffee plant's leaves, turning yellow and finally a crimson red. The fruit appears 15 days after flowering and reaches maturity in 35 weeks.

Interestingly, the coffee plant can produce for 15 years or more.  

What Types Exist?

As mentioned, there are around 40 types of coffee plants. This is because each country has developed mutations of the coffee plant, creating new varieties. For example, the Caturra coffee is a mutation of Bourbon.

Arabica, Liberica, and Robusta are the three main coffee plants. The Robusta coffee type was discovered in Central Africa. The Liberica plant is found on the west coast of Africa and in Liberia.

The origin of the plant is key to the coffee's flavor. For an average coffee drinker, such as those consuming Nespresso capsules, appreciating the nuances is not easy. However, it is worthwhile to check the origin, variety, and trace the source of the coffee when purchasing.

The plant from which the best coffee beans are obtained is Arabica, followed by Robusta.  

What Are the 3 Most Cultivated Coffee Bean Types?

There are about 12 types of coffee beans, with Arabica and Robusta being the most cultivated.

The Arabica coffee comes from Ethiopia and there are many varieties and mutations of this type of coffee. It is characterized by rich flavors and aromas, with fruity notes and floral aroma, balanced acidity, and less caffeine than other beans.

The Arabica coffee bean is the most sought-after worldwide for its balanced flavor. The varieties include:

• Kenyan Coffee
• Java Coffee
• Moka Coffee
• Mondheling Coffee Bean
• Peaberry Coffee Bean
• Tarrazú Bean

Among many other varieties.

Robusta coffee beans have a strong, astringent, and bitter flavor. They have a lot of body and caffeine, with flavors of wood and nuts. The plant of this type of coffee is resistant to diseases.

Interestingly, Robusta coffee has 22 chromosomes, while Arabica coffee has 44 chromosomes.

  Characteristics in the Cup of Arabica and Robusta:

• Aroma and flavor – Arabica coffees are more aromatic and less bitter, while Robusta coffees are stronger and more bitter.
• Arabica coffee beans are usually sweeter than Robusta.

Liberica coffee is known for its strong and distinctive flavor. It is more valued in Scandinavian countries. Its shrub is tall and resistant to insects and climate. The coffee seed or bean is more elongated compared to other types. The leaves of the shrub are large and very shiny. This type of coffee is found in West Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Pacific, and America, though in smaller quantities.

  Knowing the varieties and characteristics of the coffee plant will make it easier for you to choose the coffee that best suits your tastes.