Canephora

Canephora is a species of flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family, best known as one of the two major commercially cultivated species of coffee, the other being Coffea arabica. Canephora coffee is commonly known as Robusta coffee.

Characteristics:

Canephora plants are typically shrubs or small trees, growing up to 10 meters tall. Compared to Coffea arabica, Robusta coffee beans are generally rounder and smaller. The Canephora plant is more resilient and resistant to diseases, particularly coffee leaf rust, than Arabica. It also thrives in warmer climates and lower altitudes, making it easier and less expensive to cultivate.

Taste and Usage:

Robusta coffee beans generally have a stronger, more bitter, and bolder flavor than Arabica beans, often with a rubbery or burnt-like aroma. They also contain significantly more caffeine. Robusta is frequently used in espresso blends to provide crema and a caffeine kick. It is also used in instant coffee and as a cheaper alternative to Arabica.

Cultivation:

Canephora is primarily grown in Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia, Uganda, India, and the Ivory Coast. The plant requires less specific environmental conditions than Coffea arabica, contributing to its widespread cultivation and lower cost of production.

Etymology:

The name Canephora is derived from Greek words meaning "basket carrier," possibly alluding to the abundance of fruit the plant produces.