The Coffee Tree

Typically, the coffee tree is an evergreen shrub-like plant which will reach 20 to 30 feet in height. By regular pruning though, it is maintained at a height suitable for easier picking (6-8 feet). Another unusual characteristic of the coffee plant is that sometimes the blossom, green berries, yellow and ripe berries will appear together on the same branch. The strong smelling blossom, with the scent of jasmine, lasts for about three days. These flowers hang in clusters of up to sixteen flowers from each leaf axil. After self-pollination, the berries develop. These berries change from dark green to yellow as they ripen and after several months they become deep red cherries. Cherry is the name given to the coffee fruit. Their red skin covers pulp which usually contains two coffee seeds. These beans are covered with a husk or thin membrane called “Parchment Skin” and under this is another very thin, delicate layer called “Silver Skin”.