Types of Robusta Coffee and their Selection in Uganda

Abstract

There are few species of plants which have received so many scientific names as have been bestowed on Robusta coffee. It has been shown by Chevalier that the correct name for this group of coffees should be Cotfea canephora Pierre. which was the name under which the species was first described: all the other names applied for forms of this coffee-C. ro~ busta, C. Laurentii, C. arabica var. Stuhlmanii, C. bukobensis, C. Maclaudi, C. ugandae-refer to varieties of the species. Not only do the forms differ on account of genetical reasons-a group of wild coffee in the forests usually comprises many different types-but also the appearance of anyone type will vary greatly according to environment: a plant which in the forest is tall. with large flat leaves and few flowers. when grown in the open may be stunted. with small furrowed leaves and many flowers; even on a single tree there may be great differences between the small. narrow leaves at the top of the tree in the light and the large broad leaves in the shade below.