Botanically, over 120 species of the genus Coffea have been described. Commercially, only two matter: Arabica (60–65 % of global trade) and Robusta (35–40 %).

How Many Coffee Species Exist Worldwide?

Botanically, over 120 species of the genus Coffea have been described. Commercially, only two matter: Arabica (60–65 % of global trade) and Robusta (35–40 %).

Why that matters

The genus Coffea belongs to the Rubiaceae family and comprises over 120 described species. Most of them grow wild in the tropical forests of Africa and Madagascar. Only a few have ever been commercially cultivated.

Arabica (Coffea arabica) dominates the world market because it develops more complex flavours than other species. It grows at high altitudes between 800 and 2,200 metres, prefers temperatures of 15–24 °C, and is susceptible to pests and diseases like coffee leaf rust. Arabica contains less caffeine (1.2–1.5 %) than Robusta.

Robusta (Coffea canephora) is hardier, grows at lower elevations, tolerates higher temperatures, and is more resistant to pests. Its caffeine content sits at 2.2–2.7 %. In terms of flavour, Robusta is bolder, often earthier, and less complex. In the specialty coffee world, there’s now also “Specialty Robusta” — carefully cultivated and processed Robusta beans that taste surprisingly good.

Liberica (Coffea liberica) and Excelsa (sometimes classified as a subspecies of Liberica) together account for less than 1 % of global trade. They’re grown regionally, primarily in Southeast Asia, and have a distinctive, unusual flavour profile.

Within Arabica, there are also hundreds of varieties: Bourbon, Typica, Geisha, SL28, Caturra, and many more. Each variety brings its own flavour profile — similar to grape varieties in wine.

At Green Wall Coffee

At our café in Berlin-Lichtenberg, we work exclusively with Arabica. Behind the counter on Sophienstraße 27, there are usually two to three different beans to choose from — from different origins and varieties. This way, guests can directly compare how an Ethiopian Heirloom tastes different from a Colombian Caturra. The diversity within a single species is enormous — and that’s exactly what makes specialty coffee so exciting.

Related Questions

• What is the difference between Arabica and Robusta?
• What is coffee, exactly – plant, bean, or beverage?
• What is a coffee variety? (Bourbon, Typica, Geisha, etc.)

More depth on this topic in the article How to Make Perfect Espresso. Or stop by at Sophienstraße 27 — Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 10am–5pm.