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Coffea canephora

Rio Nunez coffee

An evergreen shrub or tree to 8m, with opposite pairs of glossy, dark green leaves. Fragrant, 5-petalled, white flowers are produced in the leaf axils in summer; these are followed by green fruits that ripen over several months to red "cherries". Each fruit contains two seeds (coffee beans)

Other common names
robusta coffee
Synonyms
Coffea robusta
Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green Green Red
Winter Green Green Red
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A
Botanical details
Family
Rubiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus

Coffea are a genus of flowering shrubs or small trees, native to tropical and southern Africa and tropical Asia. The seeds of some species are more commonly known as coffee beans and the white flowers are highly fragranced

Name status

Correct

Plant range
W Africa (Congo)

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass grow in peat-free. loam-based potting compost with added extra organic matter. Provide moderate to high humidity and protect from draughts. Water freely during the growing season and apply a balanced liquid feed every two weeks; water moderately in winter. Repot every 2-3 years in spring

Propagation

Propagate by sowing fresh seed. Germination may be erratic

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

See pruning group 9; may require restrictive pruning under glass

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

High Risk Host for Xylella fastidiosa

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