Question
Some of my selloum have this large pod sprouting from the trunk of the tree and has this large white thing coming out of it--is this a male plant?  Do I pull off the large leaf from the base of this sprout?

Answer
Hi Marsha, Its called a Spadix and it contains both female and male parts, the interesting thing about it is that you will notice it is hot to touch, it radiates about 100 degree temperatures.  You have a healthy plant, the fact that it is sending out this inflorescence for you is proof.