Arabica Coffee plant is a delicate tree. It requires plenty of care, a cool, tropical climate, and moist, rich soil to thrive. The tree usually prefers an altitude of 600 to 2000 meters. It is vulnerable to cold weather and to many pests. Arabica Coffee is native to the southwestern highlands of Ethiopia, the Boma Plateau in southeastern Sudan and possibly Mount Marsabit in northern Kenya

Arabica coffee is generally much more expensive than Robusta coffee because it is harder and costlier to grow, it produces a lower yield and it is in higher demand. Many of the world's more expensive coffee blends are produced with only Arabica blends, while cheaper coffee blends tend to contain more Robusta. Whereas most specialty coffees will be Arabica-only.