Identifying new growth?

Question

I have a sago palm plant. Since purchasing it, I see these yellow things growing in it. Are these new leaves or something else?

Answer 1

It could be a sago palm "flower" or cone. These come in male or female versions, as shown in this article:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sago-palm/sago-palms-flower.htm

Or, it could be a ring of new leaves growing in the center. New leaves are shown in one of the photos here:
https://wimastergardener.org/article/cycads/