Xtremehorticulture

No Reason to Remove Female Inflorescence from Sago Palm

Q. It is my understanding that the ball growing in the middle
of my Sago palm is part of its reproductive system. However, since I do not
plan on pollinating the plant, how and when can I remove the growth?  Also, can you tell from the images if it is
male or female Sago?

A. Sago palms come as male or female. The flower or
inflorescence of the male is long and cone shaped while the female is flat and
disc shaped. That should be easy to remember. Yours looks like a female.

Female sago palm or cycad.
            Normally
this inflorescence is not removed and you let it run its course. I am not sure
why you would want to remove it anyway. It is a part of its natural appearance.
Here is a nice little bulletin on it from Texas A&M on cycads or sago palm
biology.

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