Coffee Plant Biology: Arabica vs Robusta and Beyond

If you’ve ever wondered why some coffees taste bright and complex while others are bold and bitter, part of the answer lies in the plant itself. Not all coffee is created equal — and it starts with the species and variety of the coffee plant. But how many coffee plant types are there, really? And why does it matter to your cup?

There are over 60 known coffee species, but just two — Arabica and Robusta — make up around 99% of global commercial coffee production. Of those, Arabica accounts for roughly 70% of planted area, while Robusta takes about 30%. Beyond these, there are three other officially recognised coffee varieties grown in limited regions, each with unique traits.

What Is the Coffee Plant, Botanically?

From a botanical perspective, coffee is classified as a perennial evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the Rubiaceae (madder) family, genus Coffea. This classification applies to all coffee species, which share common plant traits but vary widely in cultivation requirements, disease resistance, and flavour potential.

The Two Main Commercial Coffee Species

Globally, coffee farming focuses overwhelmingly on two species: Arabica and Robusta. These aren’t just industry terms — they’re scientifically distinct species with different growing needs and cup characteristics.

• Arabica (Coffea arabica): Makes up about 70% of the world’s coffee farmland. It prefers higher altitudes, cooler temperatures, and is more susceptible to pests and diseases like leaf rust. Known for a sweeter, more nuanced flavour profile.
• Robusta (Coffea canephora, often called 'Rubusta' in Chinese contexts): Accounts for around 30% of global production. It thrives at lower altitudes, is hardier against pests and diseases, but produces a harsher, more bitter cup with higher caffeine content.

The Five Official Coffee Varieties According to Chinese Standards

In China’s national classification system, coffee is divided into five official varieties. Each has a distinct origin, climate preference, and set of challenges for cultivation:

• 1. / Arabic Coffee (Arabica / ): Also known as the Arabian or Ethiopian variety. Originated in Ethiopia. Grown mainly in China’s Yunnan province and parts of Guangdong. It tolerates cooler and drier conditions better than other types, produces a fragrant and high-quality cup, but is highly vulnerable to leaf rust disease.
• 2. / Robusta Coffee (Robusta / ): Commonly referred to as 'Rubusta'. Native to the tropical rainforests of the Congo in Africa. It’s the second-most cultivated species globally. In China, it’s mainly grown in Hainan. Doesn’t tolerate strong sunlight, wind, drought, or cold well, but resists disease — especially leaf rust — and delivers a strong, intense flavour.
• 3. / Liberica Coffee (Liberica / ): Originally from Liberia, Africa. Very limited global cultivation. Also grown in small amounts in Hainan, China. Suited to low-altitude, hot climates.
• 4. / Excelsa Coffee (Excelsa / ): Native to the Chari River basin in West Africa. Not cultivated in China.
• 5. / Arabusta Coffee (Arabusta / ): A man-made hybrid developed in 1962 by the French Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute. Created by treating Robusta (specifically the medium-sized Robusta variety) with colchicine and crossing it with Arabica. Grown experimentally in Côte d'Ivoire, but not in China.

Which Coffee Species Grows Best in China?

According to the article, the climate and conditions in China’s Yunnan Province are most suitable for growing the Arabic variety — also known as the small grain or Arabian coffee. This aligns with the global reputation of Yunnan as China’s premier coffee-growing region, particularly for Arabica.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two main types of coffee plants commercially grown?

The two primary coffee species in commercial production are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica makes up about 70% of global coffee farming, valued for its smoother, more complex flavours, while Robusta accounts for around 30%, known for stronger, harsher cups and higher caffeine content.

How many species of coffee plants exist?

There are over 60 known species of coffee plants, but only a few are widely cultivated. Arabica and Robusta dominate the market, with three other species — Liberica, Excelsa, and Arabusta — grown in very limited regions.

What is the scientific classification of coffee?

Coffee is scientifically classified as a perennial evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Rubiaceae (the madder family) and the genus Coffea. All coffee species fall under this botanical classification.

Which coffee variety is most commonly grown in China?

The Arabic variety (small grain or Arabian coffee) is best suited to China’s growing conditions, especially in Yunnan Province. It is valued for its fragrance and cup quality but is prone to leaf rust disease.

What is Arabusta coffee?

Arabusta is a hybrid coffee variety created in 1962 by crossing tetraploid Robusta with Arabica using colchicine. It was developed in Côte d'Ivoire but is not grown in China or widely cultivated elsewhere.

Does China grow Liberica or Excelsa coffee?

Yes, China grows small amounts of Liberica coffee in Hainan, but Excelsa coffee is not cultivated in the country. Both are among the five officially classified coffee varieties in China but have very limited production.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Exploring Coffee Origins

For readers interested in the origins of Arabica coffee, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Yunnan Arabica, showcasing the flavour profile of China’s key coffee-growing region. For classic Ethiopian profiles similar to the origin of Arabica, their Yirgacheffe offers bright citrus and floral notes. Both beans highlight the diversity within the Arabica species. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.