Foxtail palm trees

Question

We have 2 foxtail palm trees that have both developed an appendage of some sort on the trunk, way below the actual palm fronds (see pictures). One is still just a piece of bark, basically, but the other has started sprouting some kind of foliage. What are these appendages? And, more importantly, should they be pruned off, or do they serve a purpose of some sort?

Answer 1

Those are reproductive organs. This is what a flower of these looks like before it blooms. (Rather a cluster of flowers). They will not need to be taken off. They will fall off when they are done blooming.