In some Magnolia species, the "seed cones" develop symmetrically into a normal or regular shape, there will be orange-red fleshy seeds in only those locules that became pollinated. I've been told that in the more ancient Magnolia species, only specific locules that become pollinated swell in size, giving the pod variously contorted shapes, amusing to look at to be sure. I see gremlins and big-snout dragon in this collection of pods.

In this photo of M. denudata 'Forrest's Pink' seed pods still on the tree, fascinating how the seed drop out suspended on thin stretchy filaments, miracles of nature.