Quick facts
| Arabic name | البن الخولاني |
|---|---|
| English name | Khawlani Coffee |
| Scientific name | Coffea arabica |
| Family | Coffee family (Rubiaceae) |
| Plant type | Evergreen shrub |
| Height | Usually 2 to 5 m, often pruned |
| Water use | Medium |
Planting and harvest calendar
March to May
Move seedlings with the start of the rainsOctober to December
Trees start bearing after 3 to 4 years; picking may extend to January at higher altitudeTimes are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Shiny dark green leaves in pairs, white fragrant flowers, and cherry-like fruits that turn from green to red. Each fruit usually has two coffee beans.
Where it grows
Grown on mountain terraces in Jazan (Fayfa, Bani Malik, Al-Dayer), and in the highlands of Asir and Al-Baha. The name comes from the Khawlan bin Amer tribe.
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with organic matter, neutral to slightly acidic.
Water and irrigation
Regular watering, especially in dry times. Avoid standing water.
Climate and light
Mild mountain climate. No frost and no strong heat. Some shade helps.
Propagation
From fresh seeds in a nursery, then planted out. It usually starts fruiting after 3 to 4 years.
Benefits and uses
- Source of beans for Saudi coffee
- Fruit husks are used for the qishr drink
- An important crop for mountain farmers
- Part of local heritage and farm tourism
Drawbacks
- Needs a lot of care and hand picking
- Sensitive to frost and strong heat
- Takes several years to give fruit
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Coffea arabica
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Coffea arabica
- Wikipedia: Coffea arabica
- FAO Crop Calendar - Food and Agriculture Organization
- Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)