Final answer:
Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora are commonly known as Arabica and Robusta. Arabica is known for its superior flavor and aroma, and Robusta for its hardiness and higher caffeine content. Their spread reflects the cultural and economic impact of coffee on world history.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two common species under the genus Coffea are Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora. These species are commonly known as Arabica and Robusta, respectively. Arabica is esteemed for its flavorful and aromatic coffee, originating from the Horn of Africa and cultivated extensively in Yemen. The species accounts for more than half of the world's coffee production. On the other hand, Robusta, though less revered for its taste, is hardier and has a higher caffeine content, making it popular in blends and instant coffee products.
The spread of Arabica coffee from regions like Yemen and its establishment as a globally traded commodity illustrate the far-reaching impact of agricultural products on world history. Coffee cultivation thrived under Ottoman rule, and coffeehouses in Istanbul became social hubs, sparking similar trends across Europe. The term 'coffee' itself is derived from the Arabic qahwa, a testament to the role of Arab culture in popularizing this beverage. Today, countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda, are notable for their coffee production, with the crop being a significant export commodity.
Despite the differences between Arabica and Robusta, both have played pivotal roles in the development of global coffee culture. Their cultivation requires a frost-free tropical climate, often at high elevations that yield the best specialty coffee, as observed in countries such as Colombia, which once led the world in coffee production.