Question
QUESTION: I came upon this tree today, a rather large tree with gray bark. There were no leaves on the tree, but hundreds of large seed pods (brown/somewhat purple in color). I have lived in Central Florida for over 10 years and have never seen this tree.

ANSWER: Hi Angela,
Thanx for your question.  I really can't answer this without more definitive information or a picture.  There simply isn't enough information provided.  Additionally, so many non-native trees and shrubs have been planted in Florida, it could be just about anything.  Especially, if you don't recall having ever seen this particular type of tree before.  Do you know if the tree is deciduous (it's leaves fall off in the fall.)?  When you say seed pod what do they look like?  Are they long and flat?  Are they round like balls?  Have you opened a seed pod to see what the seeds look like?  A picture sure would help.
thx,
Tom

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Seed Pods   QUESTION: Tom,

Sent a photo , guess you did not receive. I've attached another.
Thanks,

Answer
Hi Angela,
Thanx for the pic.  It really helped. I think what you have is Enterolobium cyclocarpum also known as Elephant Ear Tree, Guanacaste, Monkey Ear Tree, Ear Pod tree.  The tree appears to be common in Central to South Florida.
Here's a link.
http://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/Enterolobium_cyclocarpum.htm

Here is another link from UF/IFAS I think you will find helpful.
http://okeechobee.ifas.ufl.edu/News%20columns/Enterolobium.Ear.Tree.htm
While the tree has not been determined to be invasive it has undesirable qualities regarding its strength during high winds, especially during huricane season.

I hope this helps.
Tom