seeds surrounded by fleshy coverings called arils.
The combination of a fuzzy, muted-colored pod and brilliant red seeds is what makes these structures so easy to mistake for something unusual.
Why Are the Seeds Bright Red?
The red color isn’t simply decorative.
Magnolia seeds are dispersed by wildlife, particularly birds and other animals that are attracted to the conspicuous red structures.
After feeding on the seeds, animals can help spread them to other locations, giving new magnolia trees a chance to grow.
In other words, that strange-looking pod is part
