Is Coffee a Tree or Plant?

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. With its unique flavor and caffeine content, it has become a staple for many people around the globe. But have you ever wondered if coffee is a tree or a plant? The answer is not straightforward, so let's explore it in more detail.

The Coffee Plant

Coffee comes from the coffee plant, which is scientifically known as Coffea. It is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. The coffee plant is native to tropical regions of Africa, specifically Ethiopia and Sudan. It grows as a shrub or small tree, depending on the species and cultivar.

The Coffea plant typically grows up to 10 meters in height, but most coffee farmers prune their plants to keep them shorter and easier to maintain. The leaves of the coffee plant are dark green and glossy, and the flowers are white, fragrant, and star-shaped. The fruit of the plant is called a coffee cherry, and it contains one or two seeds, which we know as coffee beans.

Is Coffee a Tree?

Technically speaking, coffee is a tree. If left unpruned, the Coffea plant can grow up to 10 meters tall, making it a tall tree. However, most coffee farmers manage their plants to keep them around 2 to 4 meters tall. This height allows for easier harvesting and maintenance of the plant. Therefore, coffee is both a tree and a shrub, depending on how it is grown and maintained.

The Coffee Industry

The coffee industry is massive and employs millions of people worldwide. Cultivating and producing coffee beans involves a complex supply chain that includes farmers, processors, exporters, importers, and roasters. There are two primary species of coffee plants that are cultivated for commercial production: Arabica and Robusta.

Arabica is the most commonly grown coffee plant, accounting for over 60% of global production. It is grown at higher elevations, which results in a sweeter, more complex flavor profile. Robusta, on the other hand, is grown at lower elevations and is a hardier plant that produces a more bitter and robust flavor. Robusta coffee accounts for the remaining 40% of global production.

The Bottom Line

Coffee is a beloved beverage that has been consumed for centuries. It comes from the Coffea plant, which can grow up to 10 meters tall if left unpruned. However, most coffee farmers choose to manage their plants to keep them around 2 to 4 meters tall. Therefore, coffee is both a tree and a shrub, depending on how it is grown and maintained. The coffee industry is massive and employs millions of people worldwide, with the two primary species of coffee plants being Arabica and Robusta. So, next time you savor your favorite cup of coffee, you can appreciate the complex process that goes into bringing it to your cup.