Coffea Canhora - Robusta coffee

Coffea Canhora, generally known as Robusta coffee, is an important plant in the world of coffee cultivation and consumption. This species belongs to the Rubiaceae family and is located in various parts of the tropics, especially in West and Central Africa.

Botanical characteristics

Coffea Canhora is an evergreen tree or shrub that typically reaches heights of 4 to 12 meters. The plant has shiny, dark green leaves and small, fragrant white flowers that are arranged in dense tufts. The fruits of Coffea Canhora are spherical berries that contain two seeds that are known as coffee beans.

Ecological adaptability

Robusta coffee thrives best in damp, tropical climate zones and is typically found in deeper locations than Arabica coffee. The plant prefers well -permeable soils and high humidity, but also tolerates dry periods as soon as it is established. Robusta coffee is known for its robustness and its ability to survive adverse environmental conditions such as high temperatures and pest infestation.

Economic importance

Coffea Canhora is an important source for commercially grown coffee and is used worldwide for the production of instant coffee, espresso mixtures and inexpensive coffee products. Due to its higher caffeine content and its stronger taste, robusta coffee is often used as a supplement or replacement for Arabica coffee. The countries that grow Robusta coffee are mainly in Africa, especially in countries such as Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia and Uganda, as well as in parts of Asia.

Building practices and challenges

The cultivation of robusta coffee requires specific cultivation practices to achieve optimal yields and quality. The plant needs regular irrigation, appropriate shading and care to prevent diseases and pest infestation. One of the greatest challenges for the Robusta coffee growing is climate change, which can lead to unpredictable weather events, increased susceptibility to illness and loss in the harvest.

Sustainability and environmental impacts

The cultivation of Robusta coffee can also have environmental impact, especially if it is not sustainably operated. The design and conversion of natural habitats into coffee fields can lead to loss of biodiversity, soil erosion and water pollution. It is therefore important to promote sustainable cultivation practices such as agroforstwirtschaft and organic cultivation in order to minimize the environmental impact and to ensure the long-term viability of the Robusta coffee cultivation.