San Bernardo,
San Bernardo, also known as Pache, is a natural mutation of the Arabica Typica variety, first discovered in Guatemala in 1949.
The plant’s short stature, caused by a single-gene mutation, allows for higher planting density and potentially greater yields. Pache trees are compact, with small canopies, making them easier to manage and harvest—a practical choice for smallholder farms. The variety grows well at elevations between 1,200–1,500 meters and is adaptable to a range of soil types.
However, its main drawback is its low disease resistance, particularly its susceptibility to coffee leaf rust, one of the most serious threats to Arabica cultivation worldwide.