The 4 Main Coffee Tree Species You Should Know

Ever wondered why some coffee tastes sweet and complex while others are bitter and flat? Much of it starts with the type of coffee plant it comes from. With over 500 coffee tree species and 6,000 varieties worldwide, the diversity is huge—but only a handful are actually grown for high-quality coffee.

There are four main species of coffee trees, but just two—Arabica and Robusta—are widely cultivated for commercial use, and Arabica is widely regarded as superior in cup quality. Below, we break down the key facts about these plants, their growth, and what makes the coffee cherries they produce so different.

What Are the Main Types of Coffee Trees?

Globally, there are four primary coffee tree species that are cultivated: Coffea arabica (Arabica), Coffea canephora (commonly called Robusta), Coffea liberica (Liberica), and Coffea dewevrei (Excelsa, now often classified under Liberica). Among these, Arabica and Robusta dominate the global market due to their yield, disease resistance, and cup characteristics. Arabica accounts for roughly 60–70% of global production, while Robusta makes up most of the remainder.

How Tall Do Coffee Trees Grow?

Wild coffee trees can reach heights between 5 to 10 meters. However, in commercial cultivation, they are pruned to stay under 2 meters. This manageable height makes it easier for harvesters to hand-pick the ripe coffee cherries. Pruning also helps control the tree’s yield and directs energy toward producing high-quality fruit rather than excessive vertical growth.

What Does a Coffee Tree Look Like and How Does It Develop?

Coffee trees are tropical evergreens that grow as small trees or shrubs. They develop leaves, flowers, and fruit all around the same time. Their leaves are oval-shaped and dark green. A notable feature is their flowering: the first bloom typically occurs when the tree is around three years old. The flowers are small, white, and have five petals arranged in dense clusters. They emit a faint jasmine-like fragrance. These flowers last only two to three days before falling off. Approximately six to eight months after flowering, the coffee cherries mature and are ready for harvest.

What Are Coffee Cherries and Why Do They Matter?

The coffee fruit is known as a coffee cherry—or “Coffee Cherry” in English-speaking markets—and is a type of stone fruit, or drupe. Each cherry is roughly 1.5 centimeters in diameter. When unripe, it is green; it then turns yellow, and finally red when fully mature—similar in appearance to a cherry, hence the name. Inside each cherry are usually two coffee beans (though sometimes one or three), surrounded by a sweet, pulpy mucilage and protected by a hard outer skin and parchment layer. The color change to red signals ripeness, which is the ideal time for picking to ensure the best flavor potential in the cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many species and varieties of coffee trees exist?

There are more than 500 species of coffee trees and over 6,000 known varieties. Most of these are tropical shrubs or trees, but only a few are used commercially.

Which coffee tree species are commercially important?

Out of the four main coffee species—Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa—only Arabica and Robusta are widely cultivated and harvested for global coffee consumption, with Arabica being the most prized for its cup quality.

Why are coffee trees pruned to stay short?

Coffee trees are pruned to under 2 meters in commercial farms to allow for easier hand-harvesting of the coffee cherries and to manage yield and tree health more effectively.

When does a coffee tree first flower?

A coffee tree typically blooms for the first time when it reaches around three years of age. The flowers are small, white, and fragrant with a scent similar to jasmine.

How long does it take for coffee cherries to ripen after flowering?

It takes approximately six to eight months for coffee cherries to mature and turn red after the flowers bloom, indicating they are ready for harvest.

What does a ripe coffee cherry look like?

Ripe coffee cherries are bright red, about 1.5 cm in diameter, and resemble cherries. Each cherry usually contains two coffee beans surrounded by pulp.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Coffee Tree Lovers

Explore the origins behind your cup with FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, a bright and floral single origin grown from typica and bourbon-related cultivars at high elevation. For a deeper profile, try Colombia Huila Supremo, a balanced washed coffee with notes of caramel and citrus from typica and caturra hybrids. Both showcase the diversity of arabica varieties grown in regions where coffee trees thrive. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.