Is coffee a plant or a tree?

Coffee, one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, comes from the seeds of the Coffea plant. But is coffee a plant or a tree? The answer is both, depending on how you define it.

The Coffea plant

The Coffea plant is a small evergreen shrub that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It grows up to 10-15 feet tall in the wild, but in commercial plantations, it is pruned to a height of 6-8 feet for easy harvest. The Coffea plant has glossy, dark green leaves that are opposite in arrangement and clusters of fragrant white flowers. These flowers are followed by red or purple berries that contain the coffee beans.

Coffee tree or shrub?

Whether to call Coffea a tree or a shrub is a matter of debate among botanists. While some consider it a small tree, others consider it a large shrub. This confusion arises because the Coffea plant can be grown and pruned in different ways depending on the cultivation practices and the purpose of growing.

When Coffea is grown as a single stem with a clear trunk and a rounded canopy, resembling a small tree, it is called a coffee tree. It is cultivated this way mainly in regions with suitable climatic conditions, such as South America and Africa, where the Coffea plant can grow tall and strong. However, in regions with less favorable climate, such as Asia or some parts of Africa, Coffea is often grown as a multi-stemmed shrub that is pruned to remain at a shorter height and produce more fruit. In such cases, it is called a coffee shrub.

The lifecycle of Coffea

The Coffea plant takes about three to five years to mature and start producing fruit. It produces flowers and fruit all year round but mainly during the rainy season. The fruit is harvested by hand when it turns bright red or purple, depending on the variety. Inside the fruit, there are two beans, which are processed and roasted to make coffee.

Once the coffee beans are roasted and ground, they are brewed with hot water to make a delicious and stimulating drink that is enjoyed by millions of people globally. Coffee is not just a beverage but has become a cultural and social phenomenon that brings people together and creates a sense of community.

Conclusion

Coffee may be a plant or a tree depending on how it is grown and pruned. Regardless of its stature, coffee is an important crop that provides livelihoods to millions of farmers and gives pleasure to millions of consumers worldwide. So the next time you enjoy your cup of coffee, appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes behind growing and serving it.