Coffea Arabica
Contents
Description
Coffea Arabica, also known as Arabian coffee or simply “coffee,” is a species of flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family. It is native to the highlands of Ethiopia and South Sudan, and is now cultivated in various parts of the world for its highly prized coffee beans. Coffea Arabica is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters tall in the wild, but is usually pruned to a smaller size in cultivation. Its leaves are glossy and dark green, and its flowers are white and fragrant.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Coffea |
Appearance
Coffea Arabica has a slender, upright growth habit with a main stem and many branches. Its leaves are elliptical and up to 15 cm long, with a glossy dark green upper surface and a paler underside. Its flowers are white, fragrant, and star-shaped, and are followed by oval-shaped fruits that turn from green to red when ripe. The fruits contain two coffee beans that are flat on one side and convex on the other, and are surrounded by a thin layer of sweet pulp.
Care Guide
Coffea Arabica can be a challenging plant to grow, but with the right care, it can thrive and produce high-quality coffee beans. Here are some tips for caring for Coffea Arabica:
- Water: Coffea Arabica prefers evenly moist soil, but does not like to be waterlogged. Water it when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Fertilization: Fertilize Coffea Arabica every two to three months with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the plant.
- Soil: Coffea Arabica prefers well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Use a high-quality potting mix with added perlite or sand to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Coffea Arabica prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: Coffea Arabica is not cold hardy and should be kept indoors in areas with temperatures below 60°F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Coffea Arabica is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including:
- Coffee rust: a fungal disease that causes yellow spots on the leaves and reduces yield
- Coffee berry borer: a beetle that bores into the coffee berry, causing damage and reducing yield
- Mealybugs: small, white, cottony insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems
- Aphids: small, green insects that suck sap from the leaves and can transmit viruses
Habitat
Coffea Arabica is native to the highlands of Ethiopia and South Sudan, where it grows in shaded areas beneath larger trees. It is now cultivated in various parts of the world, including Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Coffea Arabica prefers a warm, humid climate with temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, and can tolerate altitudes up to 6,000 feet above sea level.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for Coffea Arabica to produce coffee beans?
A: Coffea Arabica typically takes three to five years to produce its first crop of coffee beans.
Q: Can Coffea Arabica be grown outdoors?
A: Coffea Arabica is not cold hardy and should be kept indoors in areas with temperatures below 60°F.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Coffea Arabica plant?
A: Fertilize Coffea Arabica every two to three months with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can damage the plant.
Q: What is the difference between Coffea Arabica and Coffea Robusta?
A: Coffea Arabica and Coffea Robusta are two different species of coffee plant. Coffea Arabica is generally considered to produce higher-quality coffee beans, while Coffea Robusta is more disease-resistant and has a stronger, more bitter flavor.
Related Plants
- Coffea Robusta
- Coffea Liberica
- Coffea Excelsa
- Coffea Stenophylla
References
- International Coffee Organization. (n.d.). Arabica Coffee. Retrieved from https://www.ico.org/prices/po-production.pdf
- Morton, J. F. (1987). Coffee. In Fruits of warm climates (pp. 96-110). Julia F. Morton.
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Coffea arabica L. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=COAR3
