Coffee plants, or trees, generally reach a height of 4 to 6 meters and belong to the family Rubiceas, heading the group coffeaceas. In Mexico, two species are cultivated: Coffea arábica L. and Coffea canephora.

Coffee plants can live up to 50 years. The first harvest is obtained once the plant has reached maturity, generally 3 or 4 years, with maximum production obtained between 8 and 10 years of age. However, a plant can continue to flower and provide fruit throughout its life span.