Have aliens landed at Trewithen?

I have photographic proof that aliens have landed OR are these pictures of Magnolia seed pods? You decide.

This summer has seen a bumper crop of Magnolia seed formation. After last years wet and miserable summer the trees this year have rewarded us for the good weather. I could count on one hand the amount of seed last year with M.mollicomata having no seed at all. This year it is weighed down with them. I have best described the seed pods to visitors in the spring as “Try to imagine what would happen if a dog was to eat bright orange sweet corn!” you get the picture.

Summer colour doesn’t always come from flowers. Look elsewhere and you will be amazed at the textures and colours from fruit, leaves, bark etc.