Costa Rica Species
Coffea arabica
PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN ENInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Endangered — faces a very high risk of extinction if threats are not urgently addressed.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Coffea arabica

Coffee

L., 1753

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Evergreen shrub with shiny elliptical leaves and fragrant white flowers. It produces red drupes known as coffee cherries that contain two seeds or beans.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Julia Trouin

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

CafetoGrano de oroArabian coffeeCafé arábigo

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Gentianales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Rubiaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Coffea
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.L., 1753
Record Completeness
93%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Introduced

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Decreasing

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.

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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.

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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Wet Season

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Native to the highlands of Ethiopia, it prefers cool climates with elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 meters, high humidity, and well-drained volcanic soils.

Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang

Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

Plant that grows in shade or semi-shade. Its flowers open synchronously after the first rains, attracting bees for cross-pollination.

Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang

Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

200.0 - 500.0 cm

Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.

Flower Photos (Max 2)

No image

Fruit Photos (Max 2)

No image

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Presence of caffeine in seeds and leaves as a defense mechanism against herbivores and pathogens.
Leaves with specialized stomata to maximize CO2 absorption in understory environments.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Coffee rust (Hemileia vastatrix) and other fungal diseases aggravated by climate change.
Rising global temperatures reducing areas suitable for high-quality cultivation.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

In Costa Rica, coffee is known as the 'Golden Bean' for its historical role in the country's economic development.
Coffea arabica accounts for approximately 60-70% of world coffee production.

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.