COFFEA, the COFFEE-TREE, in botany, a genus of the pentandria monogynia class. The corolla is hypocrateriform; the stamina are above the tube; the berry is below the flower, and contains two seeds, which are arillated. The species are two, viz. the arabica, a native of Arabia and Ethiopia; and the occidentalis, a native of America. The berries of both species have much the same qualities. This fruit is used rather as food than as a medicine. The medical effects expected from it are, to assist digestion, promote the natural secretions, and to prevent or remove a disposition to sleep.
Coffee pays on importation 11. 13s. 61/2d. the hundred weight; the drawback on exportation is 11. 10s. 21/2d. Upon payment of the above duty, the coffee is to be put into warehouses; and upon delivery from thence, if to be consumed in Great Britain, is to pay for every hundred weight 81. 8s. if of the British plantations in America, and 111. 4s. if it comes from any other place.