5 Types of Coffee Species You Should Know

When you take a sip of your morning coffee, you’re tasting the result of choices made long before — from the high-altitude farms of Ethiopia to the volcanic slopes of Jamaica. But have you ever wondered what kind of coffee plant produced those beans? The answer isn’t simple. There are hundreds of coffee species, thousands of varieties, and more than a few surprises behind the beans in your cup.

The genus Coffea includes over 500 species and 6,000 documented varieties, most of them tropical trees or shrubs. For coffee drinkers, however, the main story revolves around just five major types — with Arabica and Robusta being the most common by far.

What Is the Coffee Genus Coffea?

Coffee belongs to the plant genus Coffea, part of the Rubiaceae family — the same botanical group as gardenias and quinine. Within Coffea, there are over 500 species and more than 6,000 varieties. Most of these are tropical trees or shrubs, native to Africa, Asia, and the surrounding regions. While they share the ability to produce caffeine-rich cherries, only a few are cultivated at scale for global coffee consumption.

Which Coffee Species Do We Actually Drink?

From a drinker’s perspective, coffee falls into roughly five species categories, but only two dominate the market. Arabica accounts for over 70% of the world’s coffee production, while Robusta makes up much of the rest. A few other species — such as Liberica and Excelsa — appear occasionally, though far less frequently.

Arabica: The World’s Favorite Coffee

Arabica (Coffea arabica) dominates the specialty coffee scene, making up over 70% of global production. These beans thrive at elevations above 900 meters, particularly in regions like Central and South America, East Africa, Hawaii, and parts of Southeast Asia. The high altitudes and cooler temperatures slow the beans’ growth, resulting in a denser, more complex cherry — and ultimately a cup with brighter acidity, nuanced aromas, and sweeter tones.

Arabica requires stable temperatures, consistent humidity, and careful agricultural management. Because of these demands, it’s more labor-intensive and expensive to cultivate. Within the Arabica species, there are many well-known cultivars — including Typica, Bourbon, Catuai, Caturra, and others. These are often planted as pure varietals, hybrids, or in mixed plots within a single farm. Some farms intentionally blend different Arabica varieties after harvest to enhance complexity. Ethiopia, the birthplace of Arabica, still grows many unique traditional landraces, while Sumatra is known for cultivating its own distinct local variety, often simply called “Sumatra.”

Robusta: Hardier, Bitter, and Caffeinated

Robusta (Coffea canephora) is much more resilient than Arabica, growing well at lower altitudes — typically between 200 and 600 meters. Found mostly in Vietnam, Brazil, and parts of Africa, Robusta plants demand minimal care and tolerate a wider range of conditions. The trade-off? Its flavor profile is comparatively bland, often described as harsh or rubbery, with a distinctive bitter edge. Robusta also contains 2 to 3 times more caffeine than Arabica — a natural defense that deters pests but impacts taste.

Because it’s cheaper to produce, Robusta is commonly used in instant coffee, espresso blends (for crema and body), and lower-cost commercial products. It’s rarely found in specialty coffee shops, though some roasters experiment with it for unique effects.

Other Coffee Species: A Brief Look

Beyond Arabica and Robusta, a few other coffee species appear occasionally:

• Liberica (Coffea liberica): Grown in Southeast Asia, it has a unique smoky, woody flavor and large beans, but makes up less than 1% of global production.
• Excelsa (now often classified under Liberica): Known for tart, fruity profiles, mainly grown in Southeast Asia.
• Other wild or rare species: Dozens exist with potential for future cultivation, but most remain uncultivated or poorly understood.

Why Does Coffee Species Matter to You?

The species of coffee you’re drinking affects everything from flavor and caffeine content to price and growing conditions. Arabica offers delicate, complex cups suited for specialty roasting. Robusta delivers boldness and caffeine kick, often at a lower cost. Understanding the differences helps you make better choices — whether you're buying beans, brewing at home, or exploring new flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the coffee plant genus called?

The coffee plant belongs to the genus Coffea, which is part of the Rubiaceae (or madder) family. This genus includes more than 500 species and over 6,000 documented varieties, the majority of which are tropical trees or shrubs.

How many types of coffee species are there?

There are over 500 species within the Coffea genus, along with more than 6,000 varieties. However, only a small number of these are widely cultivated or consumed by humans.

What are the main coffee species people drink?

Most coffee drinkers encounter five main species, though only two are common. Arabica accounts for over 70% of global production, and Robusta makes up much of the remaining share. Other species like Liberica and Excelsa are rare and account for a tiny fraction of the market.

Why is Arabica more popular than Robusta?

Arabica is valued for its complex flavors, higher acidity, and aromatic qualities. It grows best at high altitudes and produces a smoother, more nuanced cup. Robusta is harsher, more bitter, and contains more caffeine, but it’s easier and cheaper to grow — making it common in instant coffee and commercial blends.

What are some popular Arabica varieties?

Common Arabica cultivars include Typica, Bourbon, Caturra, Catuai, and others. Ethiopia also grows unique traditional landrace varieties, and regions like Sumatra cultivate their own local types. Many farms plant a mix or create custom blends from different varieties to enhance cup complexity.

Where is Robusta coffee typically grown?

Robusta thrives at low altitudes (200–600m) and is mainly grown in Vietnam, Brazil, and parts of Africa. It tolerates hotter, more humid conditions and requires less maintenance than Arabica.

Recommended FrontStreet Arabica Coffees

For a true taste of premium Arabica, try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Gedeb Cooperative — a bright, juicy cup with citrus and floral notes. Their Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 (Typica) offers balance with chocolate and almond tones, while the Brazilian Yellow Bourbon delivers nutty, caramel complexity. All are classic examples of why Arabica remains the coffee drinker’s favorite. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.