The 5 Main Coffee Species Grown Worldwide

When you sip your morning coffee, you’re tasting one of over 60 known coffee species—but odds are, it comes from just one of two. Yet, globally, five species are cultivated commercially. What sets them apart? Whether you’re a curious drinker or a roaster sourcing beans, understanding these species reveals why certain coffees taste, grow, and trade the way they do.

The two most widely grown coffee species are Arabica (about 70% of global production) and Robusta (around 30%). Three other species—Liberica, Excelsa (often grouped with Liberica), and a hybrid called Arabusta—are far less common. Each has unique traits affecting flavor, hardiness, and farming regions.

What Are the Five Main Coffee Species?

According to China’s national coffee classification standards, there are five primary coffee species cultivated around the world. These are: Arabica (also called “small-seed” or “”), Robusta (known as “medium-seed” or “”), Liberica (the “large-seed” or “”), Excelsa , and Arabusta , a man-made hybrid. Each species varies significantly in origin, growing conditions, and cup profile.

Arabica: The Global Favorite with a Delicate Nature

Arabica, or “,” is the most widely grown coffee species, accounting for approximately 70% of the world’s coffee plantations. Originating in Ethiopia, it is cultivated in high-altitude regions and is known for its nuanced flavors, aromatic complexity, and smoother mouthfeel. In China, Arabica is primarily grown in Yunnan and the Zhanjiang area of Guangdong. While it produces high-quality, fragrant cups, Arabica is susceptible to leaf rust disease, which can devastate crops if not managed carefully. Its preference for cooler temperatures and relatively stable climates makes it ideal for mountainous regions but limits its range.

Robusta: The Hardy, Bold Alternative

Robusta, or “” (commonly called “”), makes up about 30% of global coffee production. Native to the tropical rainforests of the Congo in Africa, this species is mainly grown in Hainan, China. Unlike Arabica, Robusta thrives in warmer, more humid, and lower-altitude environments. It is much more resistant to diseases, especially leaf rust, and tolerates poor growing conditions better. However, its flavor profile is stronger, harsher, and more bitter, with higher caffeine content. This boldness makes it popular for instant coffee and espresso blends where body and crema are prioritized over subtlety.

Liberica and Excelsa: The Rarer Players

Liberica, or “,” originally from Liberia in Africa, is rarely cultivated, making up a very small portion of the global coffee supply. In China, it is grown in very limited quantities in Hainan. It adapts to low-altitude, hotter regions but is not widely favored due to its unique flavor and lower market demand. Excelsa, or “,” hails from the Chaere River basin in West Africa. Despite its distinct characteristics, it is not cultivated in China at all. Both species occupy niche roles in the coffee world, often overshadowed by the dominance of Arabica and Robusta.

The Hybrid: Arabusta

Arabusta, or “,” is a man-made hybrid developed in 1962 by the French Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute. Created by treating the tetraploid Robusta with colchicine and crossing it with Arabica, this variety was designed to combine traits from both species. However, it is not grown in China and remains an experimental cultivar rather than a commercial staple. Its development highlights efforts to breed coffee plants that balance yield, disease resistance, and cup quality.

Which Coffee Species Grows Best in China?

In China, the most suitable coffee species for cultivation is Arabica, particularly the variety known locally as “” (small-seed). Yunnan province, with its high-altitude, mild climate, and fertile soil, provides ideal conditions for this species. Arabica thrives in such environments, producing the high-quality beans that have put Yunnan on the map for specialty coffee production in China.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the five main coffee species grown worldwide?

The five main coffee species are Arabica , Robusta , Liberica , Excelsa , and Arabusta . Arabica and Robusta dominate global production, while the others are rare or regionally cultivated.

Which coffee species accounts for the majority of global production?

Arabica makes up about 70% of the world’s coffee production, thanks to its widespread cultivation and popularity for specialty coffee. Robusta follows with around 30%.

Why is Arabica more popular than Robusta?

Arabica is prized for its complex flavors, aromas, and smoother taste. However, it is more delicate, requiring specific growing conditions and is vulnerable to diseases like leaf rust. Robusta is stronger and more disease-resistant but has a harsher flavor.

Where is Robusta commonly grown in China?

Robusta is mainly cultivated in Hainan, China. It thrives in warmer, lower-altitude areas and is valued for its resilience and high caffeine content, though it is less favored for specialty coffee.

Are there any hybrid coffee species?

Yes, Arabusta is a hybrid created in 1962 by crossing treated Robusta with Arabica. It was developed to combine traits from both species but is not widely grown commercially or in China.

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

Arabica, particularly the small-seed variety , is best suited to China’s climate, especially in Yunnan province, where high altitudes and cool temperatures provide ideal growing conditions.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Coffee Species

For those curious about Arabica’s range, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Yunnan Arabica beans, grown in high-altitude Yunnan and offering delicate floral and citrus notes. To contrast, their Yirgacheffe selection highlights classic Ethiopian Arabica brightness with juicy berry and floral tones. For Robusta’s bold profile, look to their Commercial Blend, which includes robust, earthy notes ideal for espresso. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.