How Many Coffee Bean Varieties Exist Globally?

Ever wondered just how many types of coffee beans are out there—and which ones actually end up in your cup? Whether you're selecting single origins or diving into brewing experiments, knowing the differences starts with understanding the plant varieties behind the beans.

There are over 70 identified coffee species globally. Of those, just three to five are commonly cultivated in China, and only two—Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea canephora)—are widely consumed worldwide.

The Main Commercial Coffee Species

Most coffee drinkers encounter only two species: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are typically higher priced, have a more delicate and complex flavor profile, and are grown at higher altitudes. Robusta, on the other hand, is cheaper, stronger in flavor and caffeine content, and mainly used for instant coffee and espresso blends for its crema contribution. Visually, Arabica beans are longer, flatter, and more greenish, while Robusta beans are rounder, thicker, and paler in color.

Coffee Species Grown in China

In China, the coffee cultivation landscape includes roughly three to five species:

1. / Typica (Arabica)

Also known as Arabic coffee or , this variety originated in Ethiopia. It’s grown in several regions across China including Taiwan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, and Sichuan. Typica is a shrub-like tree reaching 4–6 meters, with many basal branches. Its leaves are thin, leathery, and shaped like oval-tipped blades or narrow ovals, with smooth or slightly wavy edges. The terminal buds can appear green or bronze, leading to the terms “green-tip” and “red-tip” coffee. The white flowers yield small fruit, and the seeds have relatively thick skins that separate easily from the parchment. Typica offers high cup quality with aromatic depth, moderate yields, and good cold and drought tolerance—but it’s vulnerable to disease.

2. / Robusta (Canephora)

Known as or , this species comes from the tropical rainforests of the Congo in Africa. It thrives at low elevations within the 10°N to 10°S latitude range, and is primarily cultivated in Southeast Asia. In China, it’s grown on Hainan Island, and there was once limited cultivation in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan. This is an evergreen small tree, growing 5–8 meters tall with high branches, large, thick, papery leaves shaped like elongated ovals or narrow ovals. The flowers are white or slightly pink, and the plant sets abundant fruit. The cherries are flat or oval, turning purple-red when ripe. The skin, pulp, and parchment layers are all thin, and the layers don’t detach easily. Robusta has shallow roots, doesn’t tolerate drought or wind well, but resists pests and diseases effectively. The cup is bold, intense, and more bitter.

3. / Liberica (Liberica)

Also called or , it originates from the lowland forests of Liberia’s west coast in Africa. It’s suited to tropical lowlands and is grown minimally in Hainan, China. This is a tall evergreen tree, reaching up to 10 meters, with spreading branches. Its leaves are thick, leathery, and large, shaped elliptically or inversely oval, with smooth edges. The white flowers produce few fruits—usually just 3–6 per node. The cherries are large, ripening to a pale red, with especially hard and thick skins and pulp. The plant has a deep taproot, strong drought and wind resistance, and tolerates cold better than other species, but it’s highly susceptible to leaf rust. The flavor is strong, harsh, and generally considered lower in cup quality.

Growing Conditions for Coffee Species

Both Arabica and Robusta require consistent sunlight and water, but their ideal climates differ significantly:

• Arabica prefers seasonal climates with temperatures between 15–24°C and thrives at elevations of 800–2000 meters. Higher altitudes slow growth, enhancing sugar development and complexity.
• Robusta favors stable, warm equatorial conditions around 24–29°C and is typically planted at lower elevations, around 500 meters. It can handle warmer temperatures but will die if exposed to frost.

Volcanic soils are considered optimal for coffee cultivation because they supply nearly all necessary nutrients. Altitude plays a crucial role alongside temperature and humidity in shaping coffee flavor profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many coffee bean species exist in the world?

There are over 70 identified coffee species globally, though only a fraction are cultivated commercially. The vast majority of these species are wild or not suitable for large-scale farming.

What are the two most common coffee species?

The two most widely grown and consumed coffee species are Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea canephora). Arabica accounts for the majority of specialty coffee production, while Robusta is commonly used in commercial and instant coffee due to its strong flavor and high caffeine content.

Which coffee species are grown in China?

In China, coffee growers cultivate around three to five species, primarily including Typica , Robusta , and limited amounts of Liberica . Other varieties exist but are not widely planted.

What’s the difference between Arabica and Robusta beans?

Arabica beans are known for higher acidity, complex flavors, and lower caffeine content. They grow at higher altitudes and are more susceptible to pests. Robusta beans are more bitter, contain twice the caffeine, have a stronger taste, and are hardier, growing at lower altitudes.

Why do coffee species grow better at certain altitudes?

Altitude affects temperature and growing conditions, which influence the coffee cherry’s density and sugar development. Higher altitudes generally produce slower maturing beans with more complex flavors, while lower altitudes lead to faster growth and beans with higher bitterness and body.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Single-Origin Explorers

For exploring coffee variety, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for bright floral and citrus notes typical of high-altitude Arabica; their Honduras SHG offers a balanced medium-bodied cup with nutty sweetness from a classic Typica-descended cultivar; and their Indonesia Sumatra Mandheling, a Robusta-influenced blend with earthy, spicy complexity. These beans showcase the diversity rooted in different coffee species and processing traditions. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.