When I was in Australia I picked up one of the many pods that were scattered around everywhere. Mainly because it was very unlike anything I'd seen before. To this day I have not been able to find out what tree it came from. Maybe we have an Australian nature specialist around?

Here's a picture.

Leau,

It looks a bit like a jacaranda pod, but not 100% sure. How big is your seed? A jacaranda is quite large, perhaps 6-8cms long, and will open like a clam.

It also looks like it could be from a Tamarind tree. Have you looked inside it? Tamarinds are usually a bit sticky and are very sour to the taste.

It's about 5-6 cm long. I haven't opened it, because it feels like it's made of wood and is too hard to break open without using a hammer. So I have no idea what is inside. I only know that there's something inside. When I shake the pod it rattles like maracas.

Hmm.. not a jacaranda, then- they are rather light and flimsy. Where did you find it? In Queensland?

Are you sure it is not just a lump of wood?

Yes, I found it in Queensland. Don't remember exactly where, but it must have been in the south-east. And I'm very sure it's not wood! The world is different over here but not THAT different!

It looks to me very much like the seed pod from a tree known as a leopard tree. It is a big tree with lovely patchy bark patterns, and small yellow flowers. It grows easily in south east Qld.
Jenan

I just realised that I forgot to mention WHEN I found it. That was in July. Would that be possible for your suggestion, Jenan? (Welcome to Funtrivia, by the way! )