What is a Coffee Plant?
Definition of the coffee plant
What is a coffee plant? The coffee plant is a tropical shrub or small tree that produces the cherries used to make coffee. It belongs to the botanical genus Coffea and typically grows in the equatorial regions known as the "coffee belt." The most common cultivated species are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (commonly known as robusta).
The coffee plant is the starting point of the entire supply chain. It grows in nutrient-rich soils at various altitudes and requires specific climatic conditions—stable temperatures, regular rainfall, and shaded environments—to thrive.
The plant produces fruit known as coffee cherries, which contain two seeds (commonly called coffee beans). These seeds are what we eventually roast, brew, and drink.
Coffee species and varieties
There are over 100 species of coffee, but two dominate global production:
Arabica
- Grown primarily at higher altitudes
- Known for more complex and refined flavour profiles
- More sensitive to pests, disease, and climate change
- Makes up around 60–70% of global coffee production
- Preferred in the specialty market due to cup quality
Canephora (Robusta)
- Grows at lower altitudes and is more resistant to disease
- Higher caffeine content, stronger body, and more bitterness
- Primarily used in instant coffee or as a component in espresso blends
- Valued for its resilience and yield, but less common in specialty
Within arabica, there are numerous varieties (like Bourbon, Typica, SL28, Gesha, Caturra, and Pacamara), each with unique traits in terms of flavour, yield, and disease resistance. Variety selection has a direct impact on how a coffee tastes and how it performs on the farm.
How the coffee plant grows
A typical coffee plant takes 3–4 years after planting to begin producing fruit. Once mature, it goes through annual cycles of:
- Flowering – Triggered by rains, producing small white blossoms
- Cherry development – Green fruit slowly ripens over several months
- Ripening – Cherries turn red (or yellow, depending on the variety) when ready to harvest
Coffee plants can live for decades, but peak productivity is usually between years 5 and 15. Pruning, fertilisation, pest control, and shade management are all part of maintaining healthy yields and quality.
Why the coffee plant matters
A deep understanding of coffee plant species, variety, and growing conditions helps producers manage risk and quality. For roasters and importers, knowing a coffee’s variety or cultivar can give insights about expected flavour, processing compatibility, and even shelf life.
Where Nordic Approach fits in
We work with producers who understand their plants—who know their varieties, monitor their trees’ health, and make decisions to optimise quality. We often collaborate on trials involving new varieties, grafting techniques, or renovation strategies.
We believe that investing in coffee plant knowledge—whether it’s identifying the right variety for a microclimate, or tracking how different cultivars respond to processing—is a long-term path to longterm quality, resilience, and value for all parts of the supply chain.