Found a weird fuzzy cone with bright red berries popping out under your tree? It might look like something out of a sci-fi movie — but it’s completely natural.

It’s an elegant ecological system.

The slightly fuzzy or textured appearance of the cone comes from the structure of the pod itself. When freshly fallen, it may still feel somewhat soft before drying out fully.

If you have a magnolia tree nearby — especially in regions where they’re common, such as the southeastern United States — you’ll likely find these pods scattered beneath it in late summer or autumn.

Once you recognize them, they’re unmistakable.