The Coffee Tree

On coffee plantations, coffee trees reach a height of four to six meters. Wild trees grow much larger, up to 10 meters high. The roots can reach a length of three meters. The trunk is made up of soft wood and is covered by a soft bark. Its scent is reminiscent of jasmine or orange flowers. Coffee plants, like pines, belong to the evergreen trees. During four long and work intensive years, the young trees have to be cared for and protected. After four years the trees bear fruit. The plants can live up to 25 years. At 7 years, the tree has reached its prime. The coffee tree can bloom, have green berries, and have ripe berries all at the same time. This means that they have to be picked a few times a year. Coffee trees do not require much water, but are not desert plants. They are sensitive to water, frost, and will die easily if cold.

The Leaves

Unlike the pine, coffee trees have no needles, but leather like, dark green shiny leaves. The elliptical shaped leaves reach 20 cm long, and are shed every three to five years.

The Blossoms

The blossoms are in the upper part of the trees’ foliage in flower clusters. These clusters can reach 10-20 blooms. A flower has one short pistils and five stamens. Their color is normally white, but can vary to light pink. The fruit, pollen and stamens are a bright yellow or orange and much like a jasmine flower. A bud can bloom in one day or even a few hours.

Reproduction

Coffee trees can fertilize their selves. Fertilization of another tree (through wind or insects) is very rare. The time between fertilization and complete development depends on the type of coffee, but is usually six to 12 months.

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