Coffee (Cà Phê)

Description

Growing in Arizona: Coffee plants have small white, fragrant, star-shaped flowers that are clustered in the leaf axils. They resemble gardenias to which they are related. The edible fruits are small fleshy berries changing in color from green to yellow to red. Two greenish-gray seeds are covered with a thin membrane and are enclosed in a dry husk-like parchment. When only one seed develops it is known as a pea-berry and commands a higher price. The seeds can easily be dried, roasted and ground at home. Coffee plants are fairly easy to grow in the home as a potted specimen. Needs shade when hot, cold protection below 40 degrees.