I have a bit of a dilemma. My friend sent me some of her Crape Myrtle Seeds so I can grow some for myself as well.
Here is a picture of some of the bunch.(In the exact "packaging" she sent it to me.)

From my internet research I realized that these are in fact the seed pods ....and the fact that they are supposed to be brown before the seeds come out. Not knowing what to do, I put them in a wet coffee filter and put it in a plastic bag under sun. Does anyone know the correct/best way to help the germination process?

In Further inspection I came across what I consider an oddity (but probably common to non-newbies haha) As shown in the picture below,the roots seemed to come out of seed POD. Anyone know what that is about? And if I should put it in a cell pot.

Sorry If this is turning a little toward the long side. Anyway, Here are some other pictures the pods that might help you.
P.S. I'd be grateful for any advice you guys might want to share. Thanks again!