We recently became interested in the seed pods on the Magnolia tree in our back yard.  
Betty's Grandson Ian, is very interested in planting and growing things so we had been trying to gather all kinds of seeds for him.   Our most plentiful plants are trees, Sycamore, Pecan, Live Oak, and mow Magnolia.   I cut off a few seed pods in September when they were starting to dry out but had not yet opened and shed their seeds.  

At first we started out with a single seed pod.   After about 3 days in the house, the pod had dried out to an extent where we could see seeds and were surprised by their color and the way they protrude from the pod.   I assume the color and prominence are to attract birds, I also assume this is the way the magnolia propagates itself.

After the pleasant surprise of the seed emergence, I decided to try a few more pods and take more pics this time.   Here they are right after being cut off.

Neither Betty or I had really looked at ripe seed pods and were pleased by the color.

And after about 3 days, we see lots of seeds.

After another day, a few more seeds.   The pod which started out with the brighter red color has far more seeds that the other.   Apparently the bright color indicates the pod is ready to produce seeds.

The loose seeds on the plate are from the first pod we dried out.

As they dry out, the seeds protrude more and more.

These appear about ready to harvest.   This is the pod with the most red color when it was cut.

I'm not sure exactly how this works, do the pods dry up leaving the seeds visible or do the seeds enlarge and lever out as the pod dries.