<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_arabica"><em>Coffea Arabica</em></a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robusta_coffee"><em>Coffea Canephora</em></a> are the only two species of plants whose beans we use to make coffee - Arabica and Robusta respectively. </p>

<p>However, you may have heard of other 'types' of coffee that might be confusing. For example <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peaberry">Peaberry Coffee</a> is not actually a separate bean type. 5-10% of harvested coffee berries contain only one bean (instead of two). These are usually discarded, but sometimes are collected and sold separately. They are normally Arabica beans.</p>

<p>Furthermore, since 2008, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea#Research">9 new species</a> of coffee plant have been discovered. These are not currently cultivated for beans though, as far as I can tell (though some species contain traits which would be desirable<sup>1</sup> - self-pollination and caffeine-free beans).</p>

<hr>

<p><sub>1. Desirable for <em>some</em> people...</sub></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-13T18:40:26.477Z
Not quite the ***only*** two species. Liberica is also used to make coffee. Though not as popular. It's widely consumed in the Philippines and some parts of Indonesia. So it depends on what you mean by "we".
slebetman
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-13T18:45:20.740Z
@slebetman I didn't know that! Please add it as an answer!
fredley
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-09-16T05:35:51.180Z
Libericas are rare, and they hardly resemble your usual coffee plant since they grow up to 20 meters high and have very large leaves. 
We have 19 different subvarieties of Liberica planted in our Costa Rica farm; their beans produce strange tasting cups with very low acidity and chocolaty flavours.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_liberica
PabTorre
CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-13T10:06:10.237Z
2015-02-13T10:16:31.407Z
2015-02-13T10:16:31.407Z
fredley
<p>Intended mostly as an adjunct to @fredley's answer, but content overflowed a comment, then I kinda went overboard.</p>

<p>Though there are two (major) <strong><em>species</em></strong> of coffee (whose binomial names are indeed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_arabica" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Coffea arabica</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robusta_coffee" rel="nofollow noreferrer">C. robusta</a> with significant <a href="http://coffeechemistry.com/agriculture/differences-between-arabica-and-robusta-coffee.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">biological differences</a>), there are a very large number of <a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultivar" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><strong><em>cultivars</em></strong></a> -- plants and seeds that are selected, or selectively bred, for certain properties, or simply cultivated in a particular area, but these <em>cultivars</em> are still (biologically speaking) <em>the same species</em>. Here is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_coffee_varieties" rel="nofollow noreferrer">a list of (some) coffee varieties</a>; see note [1]. Perhaps you've seen some cultivars listed on packaging, like Harar, Java, Kona, or Yirgacheffe. These can (but don't always) also indicate a region of origin (e.g., some cultivars are only grown in certain regions).</p>

<p>There are analogies to other plants, like the many cultivars of the following, for examples:</p>

<ul>
<li><a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabbage" rel="nofollow noreferrer">cabbage</a>, </li>
<li>tea (which is mostly cultivars of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camellia_sinensis" rel="nofollow noreferrer">one species</a>, though there are other tisanes or infusions made of, e.g., herbs and other non-tea plants)</li>
<li>wine (which is made mostly from cultivars of one species, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitis_vinifera" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><em>Vitus vinifera</em></a>, of which there <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_grape_varieties" rel="nofollow noreferrer">5 or 10 <em>thousand</em> cultivars</a>, though wine can be made out of, e.g., other non-grape fruits also.)</li>
</ul>

<p>As with tea and wine, other coffee-like beverages (though not actually coffee) can be made out of stuff like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicory#Root_chicory" rel="nofollow noreferrer">the roots of chicory</a>.  You can also make <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_cherry_tea" rel="nofollow noreferrer">a beverage out of the coffee cherry itself</a> or the husks thereof; see also <a href="https://coffee.stackexchange.com/q/451/262">this question</a> and <a href="https://coffee.stackexchange.com/a/454/262">my answer</a>.</p>

<hr>

<p><sub>[1] - There is distinction between <a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultivar" rel="nofollow noreferrer">cultivar</a> and <a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variety_(botany)" rel="nofollow noreferrer">botanical variety</a> but it isn't crucial here.</sub></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-02-13T12:45:16.597Z
2015-02-13T12:45:16.597Z
2017-04-13T12:51:53.733Z
hoc_age
<p>@To complement on the previous answers. </p>

<p>About the <a href="https://rashyidramli93.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/full-bean.jpg" rel="noreferrer">Rubiaceae families</a> that are used for producing a good cup of  coffee.  Besides the Arabica and Robusta families, you also have very good coffee coming from the <a href="http://www.coffeetickle.com/liberica-coffee.html" rel="noreferrer">Liberica</a> family. I've tasted several Liberica varieties, they make a very unique cup. This variety is quite common in South East Asia where it was introduced to counter the coffee leaf rust.<br>
You also have the <a href="http://files.figshare.com/101290/Coffea_eugenioides.pdf" rel="noreferrer">C. Eugenioides</a> This variety is one of the 2 parents of C. Arabica. I don't know of any comercial plantations of this variety it was cupped for <a href="http://www.scaasymposium.org/scaa-symposium-coffee-genetics-tasting-experience/" rel="noreferrer">'variety' tasting during the 2015 SCAA Specialty Coffee Symposium</a> and I know of specimens planted here in Costa Rica. </p>

<p>About the genetic variation inside the C.Arabica family. 
This <a href="http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1516-89132005000500002&amp;script=sci_arttext" rel="noreferrer">study</a> classifies 40 different varieties of the C.Arabica family by their genetic markers.  Among other things, it shows that the Bourbon varieties are very close to the Arabica Tipica, while varieties like Geisha, Purpurascens and Maragogipe have much more significant differences. </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-09-26T04:00:42.037Z
2015-09-26T04:00:42.037Z
PabTorre
<p>There are <strong>several varieties</strong> of coffee that have all derived from the three species of Coffea genus of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubiaceae" rel="noreferrer">Rubiaceae family</a>: </p>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_arabica" rel="noreferrer">Coffee Arabica</a></li>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robusta_coffee" rel="noreferrer">Coffee Canephora</a> (Robusta)</li>
<li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_liberica" rel="noreferrer">Coffee Liberica</a> (Liberian)</li>
</ul>

<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/VV5Hp.jpg" alt="Coffee Varieties Graph"></p>

<p>As you can see from this <a href="https://counterculturecoffee.com/learn/varieties" rel="noreferrer">Counter Culture graph</a>, each variety has a unique lineage, likely designed to grow well in a specific climate and geographical region while producing a unique profile once brewed.</p>

<p>Coffee can be treated much like Wine: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terroir" rel="noreferrer">terroir</a> and variety is key to growth, but then roasting and brewing is also extremely important for the final cup. Several artisanal single-origin roasts will feature tasting notes, variety, and growing region to accommodate your shopping experience when reviewing what is in season.</p>

<p>A Bourbon variety grown in the volcanic region of El Salvador will brew a completely different experience compared to the highly-prized Gesha variety grown in Columbia, even though they can both be traced back to the Arabica species.</p>

<p>For more info on what to expect from these varieties, check out the <a href="https://www.stumptowncoffee.com/varieties/" rel="noreferrer">Stumptown Guide to Coffee Varieties</a>.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2015-06-24T21:26:39.300Z
2015-06-24T21:26:39.300Z
rwyland
<p>On this site, and virtually everywhere, I hear people speaking about coffee in terms of "arabica" or "robusta". I know these are two coffee varieties, but are there others as well? Why aren't those as popular? Where can they be found?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2017-10-23T19:00:49.177Z
The four types of coffee I can buy in the U.S. are Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa and Liberica.
The source from which I could get all four has changed hands or something as I no longer get there E-mail flyers but on recent checking Liberica and Excelsa are still available.
RpR
<bean-varieties><arabica>
Are robusta and arabica the only bean varieties?
Ludwik
# Are robusta and arabica the only bean varieties?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2015-02-13)

On this site, and virtually everywhere, I hear people speaking about coffee in terms of "arabica" or "robusta". I know these are two coffee varieties, but are there others as well? Why aren't those as popular? Where can they be found?

**Tags:** bean-varieties, arabica

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: The four types of coffee I can buy in the U.S. are Arabica, Robusta, Excelsa and Liberica. The source from which I could get all four has changed hands or something as I no longer get there E-mail flyers but on recent checking Liberica and Excelsa are still available.  

---

## 4 answers

### Answer by username_6 on 2015-06-24. Score: 15 | Accepted answer

There are **several varieties** of coffee that have all derived from the three species of Coffea genus of the [Rubiaceae family](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubiaceae):

* [Coffee Arabica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_arabica)
* [Coffee Canephora](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robusta_coffee) (Robusta)
* [Coffee Liberica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_liberica) (Liberian)

![Coffee Varieties Graph](https://i.sstatic.net/VV5Hp.jpg)

As you can see from this [Counter Culture graph](https://counterculturecoffee.com/learn/varieties), each variety has a unique lineage, likely designed to grow well in a specific climate and geographical region while producing a unique profile once brewed.

Coffee can be treated much like Wine: [terroir](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terroir) and variety is key to growth, but then roasting and brewing is also extremely important for the final cup. Several artisanal single-origin roasts will feature tasting notes, variety, and growing region to accommodate your shopping experience when reviewing what is in season.

A Bourbon variety grown in the volcanic region of El Salvador will brew a completely different experience compared to the highly-prized Gesha variety grown in Columbia, even though they can both be traced back to the Arabica species.

For more info on what to expect from these varieties, check out the [Stumptown Guide to Coffee Varieties](https://www.stumptowncoffee.com/varieties/).


---

### Answer by username_2 on 2015-02-13. Score: 13

[*Coffea Arabica*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_arabica) and [*Coffea Canephora*](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robusta_coffee) are the only two species of plants whose beans we use to make coffee - Arabica and Robusta respectively.

However, you may have heard of other 'types' of coffee that might be confusing. For example [Peaberry Coffee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peaberry) is not actually a separate bean type. 5-10% of harvested coffee berries contain only one bean (instead of two). These are usually discarded, but sometimes are collected and sold separately. They are normally Arabica beans.

Furthermore, since 2008, [9 new species](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea#Research) of coffee plant have been discovered. These are not currently cultivated for beans though, as far as I can tell (though some species contain traits which would be desirable1 - self-pollination and caffeine-free beans).

---

1. Desirable for *some* people...

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: Not quite the ***only*** two species. Liberica is also used to make coffee. Though not as popular. It's widely consumed in the Philippines and some parts of Indonesia. So it depends on what you mean by "we".  
> **username_2**: @username_3 I didn't know that! Please add it as an answer!  
> **username_4**: Libericas are rare, and they hardly resemble your usual coffee plant since they grow up to 20 meters high and have very large leaves.  We have 19 different subvarieties of Liberica planted in our Costa Rica farm; their beans produce strange tasting cups with very low acidity and chocolaty flavours. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_liberica  

---

### Answer by username_5 on 2015-02-13. Score: 12

Intended mostly as an adjunct to @username_2's answer, but content overflowed a comment, then I kinda went overboard.

Though there are two (major) ***species*** of coffee (whose binomial names are indeed [Coffea arabica](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffea_arabica) and [C. robusta](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robusta_coffee) with significant [biological differences](http://coffeechemistry.com/agriculture/differences-between-arabica-and-robusta-coffee.html)), there are a very large number of [***cultivars***](http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultivar) -- plants and seeds that are selected, or selectively bred, for certain properties, or simply cultivated in a particular area, but these *cultivars* are still (biologically speaking) *the same species*. Here is [a list of (some) coffee varieties](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_coffee_varieties); see note [1]. Perhaps you've seen some cultivars listed on packaging, like Harar, Java, Kona, or Yirgacheffe. These can (but don't always) also indicate a region of origin (e.g., some cultivars are only grown in certain regions).

There are analogies to other plants, like the many cultivars of the following, for examples:

* [cabbage](http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabbage),
* tea (which is mostly cultivars of [one species](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camellia_sinensis), though there are other tisanes or infusions made of, e.g., herbs and other non-tea plants)
* wine (which is made mostly from cultivars of one species, [*Vitus vinifera*](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitis_vinifera), of which there [5 or 10 *thousand* cultivars](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_grape_varieties), though wine can be made out of, e.g., other non-grape fruits also.)

As with tea and wine, other coffee-like beverages (though not actually coffee) can be made out of stuff like [the roots of chicory](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicory#Root_chicory). You can also make [a beverage out of the coffee cherry itself](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coffee_cherry_tea) or the husks thereof; see also [this question](https://coffee.stackexchange.com/q/451/262) and [my answer](https://coffee.stackexchange.com/a/454/262).

---

[1] - There is distinction between [cultivar](http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultivar) and [botanical variety](http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variety_(botany)) but it isn't crucial here.


---

### Answer by username_4 on 2015-09-26. Score: 7

@To complement on the previous answers.

About the [Rubiaceae families](https://rashyidramli93.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/full-bean.jpg) that are used for producing a good cup of coffee. Besides the Arabica and Robusta families, you also have very good coffee coming from the [Liberica](http://www.coffeetickle.com/liberica-coffee.html) family. I've tasted several Liberica varieties, they make a very unique cup. This variety is quite common in South East Asia where it was introduced to counter the coffee leaf rust.  
You also have the [C. Eugenioides](http://files.figshare.com/101290/Coffea_eugenioides.pdf) This variety is one of the 2 parents of C. Arabica. I don't know of any comercial plantations of this variety it was cupped for ['variety' tasting during the 2015 SCAA Specialty Coffee Symposium](http://www.scaasymposium.org/scaa-symposium-coffee-genetics-tasting-experience/) and I know of specimens planted here in Costa Rica.

About the genetic variation inside the C.Arabica family.
This [study](http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1516-89132005000500002&script=sci_arttext) classifies 40 different varieties of the C.Arabica family by their genetic markers. Among other things, it shows that the Bourbon varieties are very close to the Arabica Tipica, while varieties like Geisha, Purpurascens and Maragogipe have much more significant differences.


---

