My Bismarckia nobilis trunk looks rather strange. It didn't look like this when we bought it. It's been in the ground for about 8 months. Is it okay???

looks like it's starting a new growing point, has it been growing like normal since you've had it?

I can't remember when I noticed it looking like this. I just know that the base looked more "normal" when we bought it and planted it 8 months ago.

When I first noticed the unusual base, I thought perhaps an animal had scratched away at it or something! And just recently I noticed that growth-like thing too...

I have no experience or knowledge on this palm though! Totally clueless!

The top of it is growing fine. It's had a few new leaves.

Edited September 20, 201411 yr by Sunnie

View from the top. You can see the new leaf. It's had a couple over the past few months.

The orange-ness is very new - not a good sign?!

I've seen fronds die off before but they were more brown?

Looks like the new leafs got stuck and couldn't emerge normally,and the palm was strong enough to continue pushing,tearing away the leaf bases of the leafs and opening a path for the new leaf to emerge. Its not clear yet how the palm will do but since you are just now entering spring,my guess is you will see quick progress and probably the palm will look great again by the end of the growing season.

I hope it grows well!!! Glad we're into spring now.

I have a younger palm that is doing something similar and not quite to the extent of your palm. The trunk is split near the base and all the new leaves are leaning to one side. I have noticed several ant nests near the palm and wonder if they damaged it.

Hopefully someone will be able to tell us further what may have caused it and if they are salvageable. Should they be replaced or can they recover on their own?