This fruit and another just like it were found on the forest floor in Maryland, in a heavily wooded area of mostly sweetgums, oaks, and maples. It is fleshy and juicy, and the pit is very soft - but that may be because it was destroyed by the worms you can see in the center if you look closely. I showed it to two botanists and they couldn't say what it is.
tipularia: I'll be danged. An oak apple or oak marble gall. I'm almost positive you are correct. The juiciness and color of the things really threw me off. Honestly, my botanist friends are going to be rather embarassed as well.. I had never heard of these before. Thanks for your input!
