The Two Main Coffee Species and Their Varieties

If you’ve ever wondered why some coffees taste bright and complex while others are bold and bitter, the answer starts with the plant. Not all coffee is created equal—over 60 species exist, but only two make up nearly all the coffee you drink. Knowing the difference between these species and their key varieties helps explain flavor, growing conditions, and even why certain beans are more prone to disease. This guide breaks down the five officially recognized coffee types under Chinese standards, their origins, strengths, and why one rises above the rest for quality-focused roasters.

In short: Around 70% of the world’s coffee comes from Arabica plants, while Robusta makes up roughly 30%. The remaining 5 commercially classified types include Liberica, Excelsa, and two hybrids—but only Arabica is widely prized for specialty-grade flavor.

What Are the Two Main Coffee Species?

The coffee plant family includes several species, but only two are grown at commercial scale: Arabica (Coffea arabica) and Robusta (Coffea canephora). Arabica accounts for about 70% of global coffee production and is valued for its nuanced flavors and higher acidity. Robusta, making up around 30%, is hardier, more bitter, and contains roughly twice the caffeine, making it resistant to pests but less favored in specialty coffee.

The Five Official Coffee Varieties (Per Chinese Standards)

According to China’s national coffee classification system, there are five officially defined coffee varieties, each with unique growing needs and cup characteristics:

1. (Liberica / Liberia Coffee)

Also known as the “large-bean” coffee, Liberica originated in Liberia, Africa. It thrives in low-altitude, hot regions and has a very limited cultivation area. In China, small amounts are grown in Hainan province. This variety is not commonly used in specialty coffee due to its rarity and distinct flavor profile.

2. (Arabica / Arabian Coffee)

Known as the “small-bean” coffee, this is the Arabica species, originating from Ethiopia. It’s the most widely cultivated coffee in the world and is the primary variety grown in China’s Yunnan province and Guangdong’s Zhanjiang region. Arabica is relatively cold- and drought-resistant, producing a fragrant, high-quality cup—but it’s highly susceptible to leaf rust disease.

3. (Robusta / Canephora Coffee)

Commonly called Robusta, this “medium-bean” coffee originated in the tropical rainforests of the Congo in Africa. It is the second-most cultivated species after Arabica and is mainly grown in Hainan, China. Robusta doesn’t tolerate strong sunlight, wind, drought, or cold well, but it resists disease—including leaf rust—and produces a bold, intense brew with a strong kick.

4. (Arabusta Hybrid)

This hybrid was developed in 1962 by the French Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute. It resulted from crossing tetraploid Robusta with Arabica using colchicine treatment. Arabusta is not grown in China. It was bred for improved traits but hasn’t achieved widespread commercial adoption.

5. (Excelsa Coffee)

Excelsa originates from the Chari River basin in West Africa. Like Arabusta, it is not cultivated in China. This variety is less common and not a major player in the global specialty market.

Why Arabica Dominates Specialty Coffee

Although Robusta is valued for its strength and disease resistance, Arabica is overwhelmingly preferred for specialty coffee due to its complex flavors, brighter acidity, and wider range of aromatic profiles. Within Arabica, numerous sub-varieties (like Typica, Bourbon, Geisha, and others) are cultivated around the world, each expressing unique tasting notes based on terroir. For example, Ethiopia’s Yirgacheffe region is famed for its floral, citrus-forward Arabica beans, while Jamaica’s Blue Mountains grow a refined Typica known for its smooth, balanced cup.

Where Arabica Thrives: The Case of Yunnan

According to Chinese agricultural experts, the most suitable coffee species for cultivation in China’s Yunnan province is Arabica—specifically the small-bean type (Coffea arabica). The region’s high elevation, mild climate, and rich soil create ideal conditions for growing high-quality Arabica with distinctive regional characteristics, making Yunnan a rising star in the global specialty coffee map.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two main types of coffee grown worldwide?

The two main coffee species grown commercially are Arabica, which makes up about 70% of global production, and Robusta, which accounts for roughly 30%. Arabica is known for its complex flavors and higher acidity, while Robusta is stronger, more bitter, and more resistant to pests and disease.

What are the five classified coffee varieties in China?

China’s national standard recognizes five coffee varieties: Liberica , Arabica , Robusta , Arabusta , and Excelsa . Only Arabica is widely grown for quality coffee, especially in regions like Yunnan.

Which coffee species is most disease-resistant?

Robusta is the most disease-resistant coffee species, particularly against leaf rust, and it can withstand harsher growing conditions. However, it lacks the refined flavors of Arabica and is mostly used in commercial or instant coffee.

Why is Arabica preferred for specialty coffee?

Arabica offers a wider range of complex flavors, brighter acidity, and more delicate aromatic profiles compared to Robusta. Its susceptibility to disease makes it harder to grow, but its cup quality is far superior for specialty roasters and drinkers.

Is Liberica still grown today?

Liberica is grown in very limited quantities, mostly in parts of Southeast Asia and small areas of China like Hainan. It is not common in the specialty market due to its unique flavor and low global production volume.

Does China grow any other coffee species besides Arabica?

While Arabica is the primary species grown in China, particularly in Yunnan and Hainan, Robusta is also cultivated in Hainan. Other species like Liberica and Excelsa exist in minimal amounts, but none match Arabica’s presence or cup quality potential.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Arabica Diversity

Start with FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Gedeb Cooperative (washed), bursting with citrus and floral notes, showcasing classic Arabica brightness. For a balanced classic, try the Jamaica Blue Mountain No.1 (Typica), roasted medium-dark for chocolatey depth with elegant floral tones. Or dive into Geisha’s exotic profile with the Strawberry Candy Espresso, a blend highlighting stone fruit and jasmine. All highlight why Arabica is the cornerstone of specialty coffee. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.