The 5 Main Coffee Species Grown Around the World

If you’ve ever wondered why some coffees taste bright and delicate while others hit you with a heavy punch, part of the answer lies in the plant itself. Though dozens of coffee species exist, commercial production is dominated by just a few — each with unique traits affecting taste, yield, and hardiness. But what are these species, where are they grown, and why does it matter to you as a coffee drinker?

In short: There are five official coffee species recognized in China’s national standard, but only two — Arabica (small-seed or Typica family) and Robusta (medium-seed or Canephora) — make up around 70% and 30% of global production respectively. The other three — Liberica, Excelsa (a subtype of Liberica), and a man-made hybrid called Arabusta — play minor or negligible roles in the specialty market.

What Are the Five Official Coffee Species in China’s Classification?

According to China’s national coffee classification standard, there are five officially defined coffee species:

• 1. Small-seed coffee (Arabica / )
• 2. Medium-seed coffee (Robusta / )
• 3. Large-seed coffee (Liberica / )
• 4. Excelsa (also known as Ethiopian species, )
• 5. Arabusta (a hybrid of Robusta and Arabica, )

1. Arabica (Small-Seed Coffee): The Global Coffee Standard

Arabica, also known as small-seed coffee or Arabic coffee, originates from Ethiopia and is the world’s predominant cultivated coffee species. In China, it is primarily grown in Yunnan and the Zhanjiang region of Guangdong.

Arabica is relatively cold- and drought-resistant. It produces coffee with a rich aroma and high drinking quality — the reason it dominates over 70% of global coffee farming. However, it is highly susceptible to leaf rust disease, a fungal infection that can devastate crops if not managed carefully. This sensitivity makes cultivation more labor-intensive in humid or poorly managed environments.

2. Robusta (Medium-Seed Coffee): Bold, Bitter, and Disease-Resistant

Commonly referred to as the medium-seed or original species from the tropical rainforests of the Congo in Africa, Robusta is the second-most widely grown coffee. In China, it is mainly cultivated in Hainan Province.

Robusta doesn’t tolerate strong sunlight, wind, drought, or cold well. Its plants are fragile compared to Arabica, but they are much more resistant to pests and diseases — particularly leaf rust, which barely affects it. The trade-off? Robusta beans produce a bolder, more bitter cup with higher caffeine content and a more intense, often harsh flavor profile. It’s commonly used in instant coffee or as a blend component for cost and crema enhancement in espresso.

Robusta makes up about 30% of global coffee production due to its resilience and higher yields in challenging climates.

3. Liberica (Large-Seed Coffee): Rare and Regional

Liberica, or large-seed coffee, hails from Liberia in West Africa. It is rarely grown commercially and covers only a tiny fraction of the world’s coffee fields. In China, small amounts are cultivated in Hainan.

This species thrives in low-altitude, hotter regions — the opposite of Arabica’s preferred highland conditions. Despite its large cherries and unique tree structure, Liberica never gained widespread popularity due to its unusual flavor profile and the difficulty of processing. It is generally considered too niche for specialty markets.

4. Excelsa (Ethiopian Species): Limited to Origins, Not Production

Excelsa, originally from the Chari River basin in West Africa, is not cultivated in China at all. Often grouped under the Liberica umbrella taxonomically, it remains an obscure species with minimal global commercial presence.

5. Arabusta: A Man-Made Hybrid Experiment

The Arabusta variety was developed in 1962 by the French Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute. It’s a tetraploid hybrid created by treating medium-seed Robusta with colchicine and then crossing it with small-seed Arabica. The goal was to combine disease resistance with better cup quality — but despite its theoretical promise, Arabusta has not been adopted for commercial cultivation anywhere, including China.

Which Coffee Species Grows Best in China?

According to agricultural data and field experience, the most suitable coffee species for cultivation in China — particularly in Yunnan Province — is the Arabica variety (small-seed or Arabic coffee). Its adaptability to the local climate, combined with its superior cup quality, makes it the dominant and most viable choice for Chinese coffee farming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two most common coffee species in the world?

Arabica (small-seed) makes up around 70% of global coffee production, while Robusta (medium-seed) accounts for about 30%. These two species dominate commercial coffee farming worldwide.

Why is Arabica more popular than Robusta?

Arabica is valued for its smoother, more complex flavors and aromatic qualities. However, it is more delicate, requiring specific growing conditions and is vulnerable to diseases like leaf rust. Robusta is stronger, more bitter, and disease-resistant, but is usually considered inferior in cup quality for specialty coffee.

Where is Liberica coffee grown?

Liberica is native to Liberia and is grown in very limited quantities globally. In China, small plantings exist in Hainan, but the species is not significant in the specialty or commercial coffee market.

Does China grow any coffee species besides Arabica?

Yes. In addition to Arabica, China also cultivates Robusta (mainly in Hainan) and small amounts of Liberica. However, neither Excelsa nor Arabusta are grown in the country.

What is Arabusta coffee?

Arabusta is a hybrid coffee species created in 1962 by crossing Robusta with Arabica using colchicine. It was designed to combine disease resistance and better flavor, but it has never been widely adopted or cultivated commercially.

Which coffee species is best suited for China’s climate?

Arabica (small-seed or Arabic coffee) is the most suitable for China, especially in Yunnan province, due to its adaptability to local conditions and superior cup quality compared to other species.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Exploring Arabica Types

For exploring classic Arabica profiles, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe — known for its bright citrus, floral notes, and light body, a hallmark of high-quality Arabica. For a more structured example, their Yunnan Arabica offerings highlight the species’ adaptability in China with balanced acidity and fruity complexity. These beans let you taste why Arabica dominates the specialty market. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.