Large Golden Growth in Center of Sago Palm

Question

I have a sago palm that has a large alien-like growth coming out of the center. It is golden in color and looks like a giant bud or something. It has been there for about 6 months. I have an identical sago about 15 feet from this one, but it does not have this growth on it. What is this and can it be removed?

Answer 1

Because sago palms are either male or female, they will have distinct reproductive organs. The females will produce a yellow flower in the center of the leaves, and the male will produce a large cone in the same location. It sounds as if you may have a male. This can be cut off and will not harm the plant.