What Are the 4 Main Types of Coffee Trees?

If you’ve ever wondered why some coffees taste bright and delicate while others are bold and bitter, the answer starts with the type of coffee tree. With over 500 species and 6,000 cultivated varieties, not all coffee plants are created equal. Most coffee lovers only ever taste beans from two of the four main coffee tree types—but which ones, and why does it matter?

There are four main coffee tree species: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Of these, only Arabica and Robusta are widely grown commercially, with Arabica making up around 70% of global production and Robusta around 20–30%. The other two types are rare and account for less than 5% combined.

What Is Arabica Coffee and Why Is It So Popular?

Arabica (Coffea arabica) makes up roughly 70% of the world’s coffee production. These small, oval beans have a narrow, winding center cut and a relatively flat back. The plant thrives at higher altitudes between 600–1,800 meters in regions with average temperatures around 20°C, steady rainfall, and no frost—conditions found within 160 km of the equator, mostly in the tropics.

Key Arabica-growing countries include Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Yemen. Well-known beans like Jamaica Blue Mountain, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, Guatemalan Antigua, and Honduran SHG all come from Arabica plants. The species is known for its smooth, balanced flavor, lower caffeine content (about half that of Robusta), and aromatic complexity. However, Arabica is delicate: it’s vulnerable to pests, disease, and extreme weather, and requires careful manual harvesting on steep slopes.

Not all Arabica is the same. Within the species are countless varieties—like Typica, Bourbon, Geisha, and Yellow Bourbon—that express unique flavor profiles depending on terroir. For instance, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe offers bright citrus and floral notes, while Jamaica Blue Mountain is famous for its mild, balanced cup with hints of nuts and chocolate.

What About Robusta Coffee? The Hardier, Bitter Cousin

Robusta (Coffea canephora), also known as Coffea robusta, accounts for approximately 20–30% of global coffee production. Its beans are larger, rounder, and have a straight crease. Unlike Arabica, Robusta grows well at low altitudes—below 500 meters—and is far more resilient to heat, pests, and disease. This makes it cheaper and easier to cultivate, especially in regions like Vietnam, Africa, and Indonesia.

However, the trade-off is taste. Robusta beans produce a harsher, more bitter cup with stronger, earthy, and nutty flavors and a heavier body. They also contain nearly double the caffeine of Arabica, which acts as a natural pest deterrent but contributes to the bitter profile. Due to these characteristics, Robusta is typically used in instant coffee, espresso blends for added crema, and lower-cost commercial products.

Though often dismissed in specialty circles, high-quality Robusta does exist and can add crema and body when used thoughtfully in espresso blends.

What Are Liberica and Excelsa Coffee?

Beyond Arabica and Robusta, there are two other coffee species: Liberica (Coffea liberica) and Excelsa (Coffea liberica var. dewevrei), the latter now often classified under Liberica.

Liberica beans are large, asymmetrical, and have a unique flavor profile—bold, smoky, and woody, with a heavy body and floral or fruity undertones. The trees are tall (up to 18 meters), hardy, and produce large fruits. Native to West Africa and parts of Malaysia, Liberica makes up less than 1% of global production. It’s rarely seen in specialty markets but has historical significance, especially in the Philippines and Malaysia.

Excelsa, meanwhile, is a subtype once classified separately but now generally grouped under Liberica. It produces tart, fruity, and complex cups and grows mostly in Southeast Asia. Though interesting, Excelsa accounts for less than 5% of total coffee production and is rarely encountered outside niche markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 main types of coffee trees?

The four main coffee tree species are Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Arabica and Robusta are the most widely cultivated, making up over 90% of global coffee production. Liberica and Excelsa are much rarer, with minimal commercial presence.

Which coffee species is the most popular?

Arabica is by far the most popular, accounting for around 70% of the world’s coffee. Its mild, nuanced flavors and lower caffeine content make it the preferred choice for specialty coffee.

Why is Robusta coffee so bitter?

Robusta contains almost twice as much caffeine as Arabica, which contributes to its bitter, harsh taste. It’s also grown at lower altitudes and has a stronger, more rustic flavor profile, often used in instant and espresso blends for crema and body.

What does Liberica coffee taste like?

Liberica coffee is known for its bold, smoky, and woody flavors with floral or fruity notes. The beans are large and irregularly shaped, and the trees are tall and resilient, but the coffee is rare and less common in specialty shops.

Is Excelsa coffee the same as Liberica?

Excelsa was once classified as a separate species but is now considered a variety of Liberica. It offers a tart, fruity profile and makes up less than 5% of global coffee production, often grouped with Liberica in broader classifications.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Arabica

Start with FrontStreet Coffee’s Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1, a classic Typica-based Arabica with balance and mildness. For floral brightness, try the Ethiopian Yirgacheffe from the Gedeb cooperative—known for citrus and stone fruit. Or explore the Brazilian Yellow Bourbon from the Queen Manor, offering caramel, peanut, and gentle sweetness. All highlight the diversity within Arabica. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.