Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Senna surattensis, commonly known as kolomona, scrambled egg plant, or scrambled eggs, is a small tree or large shrub native to the Indian subcontinent and Myanmar. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its attractive bright yellow flowers, which bloom throughout much of the year and give the plant its common name. Growing up to about 20–30 feet tall, it has an open, spreading canopy with compound leaves and showy clusters of golden blossoms. Because of its ornamental appeal, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in warm climates, it has been planted in landscapes, gardens, parks, and along roadsides throughout Hawaiʻi and other tropical regions.

Risks & Threats:
Senna surattensis has escaped cultivation and is now naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Maui, and may be beginning to naturalize on Hawaiʻi Island. It has been documented persisting in disturbed lowland habitats in Hawaiʻi since at least the late 1800s. While it is not currently considered among Hawaiʻi’s most aggressive invasive plants, it does possess traits that are cause for concern, including its ability to reproduce outside cultivation and establish self-sustaining populations. Naturalized populations may serve as a source for further spread into disturbed areas and potentially adjacent natural habitats. Ongoing evaluation is needed to better understand its long-term impacts, and caution is recommended when planting this species to help ensure it does not negatively affect Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems. When possible, consider choosing low-risk or native alternatives for landscaping projects.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized or potentially naturalizing on all main Hawaiian Islands (Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i, Lana'i, Maui, and Hawai'i)
  
• An agricultural weed (invades pastures and disturbed areas where it shades out forage and is avoided by cattle)
  
• Congeneric weed risk (5+ Senna spp. are noxious in Australia)
  
• Produces viable seed with hard seed coat (persistent seed bank)
  
• Generalist pollination (bees)
  
• Well-matched to tropical/subtropical climates

Low Risk Traits:

• No spines, thorns, burrs, or toxicity
  
• Not shade-tolerant; requires full sun
  
• No vegetative reproduction
  
• Low seed production (<1000/m²)
  
• Seeds not adapted for wind, water, bird, or external animal dispersal