Coffee (Coffea arabica) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Coffee, also called Arabica coffee, is an evergreen shrub or small tree whose seeds are dried and roasted to make coffee. In the United States it can be grown outdoors in warm places and kept as a houseplant elsewhere. Wild plants in Africa are endangered even though the crop is grown worldwide.

Appearance

Growth form: An evergreen shrub or small tree; indoor plants are often kept about 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m) tall.
Leaves: The glossy, dark green leaves have clear veins and gently wavy edges.
Flowers: Small, fragrant white flowers form in clusters beside the leaves.
Fruit: The fruit ripens red and usually holds two seeds. These are the coffee beans that are dried and roasted.

Look-alikes

Robusta coffeeCoffea canephora

Robusta usually has larger leaves, but the size ranges overlap. A close photo of leaves alone may not identify the species reliably.

Why they get mixed upBoth coffee species have glossy leaves, white flowers, and red fruit.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: warm gardens
indoor pots
Range: Native to parts of Ethiopia, South Sudan, and northern Kenya, it is cultivated in Hawaii and can be grown in warm Florida landscapes. Elsewhere in the United States it is mainly an indoor plant.
Preferred conditions: It prefers bright but filtered light, moist well-drained soil, and warmth.

Life cycle

Reproduction: A single Arabica plant can set fertile seed using its own pollen.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms: Bourbon is a long-established Arabica variety. Caturra arose from Bourbon and stays shorter.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: ENEndangeredVery high risk of extinction in the wild
Status: Forest loss and climate change threaten its native populations.

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