This is my Sago, the photo was taken today. I have seen a Sago penis before and this is the wrong shape. I am guessing it's a female and this is a seed pod. There are no Sagos close to here so I am assuming it can't produce seeds. I am not worried about having or not having seeds, it's the top that worries me. I've had Sagos for years and I have never experienced this. I tried to read up on this and I was told that the female seed pod with last about 10 months and when it falls off, it will then produce a set of fronds. As you can tell from the photo, the Sago doesn't have any fronds. We had a cold spell and, even though I wrapped the tree. The fronds started turning yellow, so I cut them off. I don't have to do this every year but I'm afraid I've boxed myself into a corner. With no fronds, how can this tree get any energy for photosynthesis? I'm guessing it can't. So, the question is, "Can this Sago last a whole season without fronds or will it die?"
I read that, like the male penis, the female pod can be cut off and the Sago will get fronds. The problem is, "I don't know if that's what I have". See photo. Assuming this is a female pod and it can be cut off, how far down do I make the cut? Looking at the photo, do I cut at the red line or at the blue line? Maybe, someplace else. Maybe, I am totally off. Please I need some help. Thanks!

Yes , it's a girl.

Technically it's a Megasporophyll

Male penis is called a cone.

I don't know know if cutting the Megasporophyll will induce a flush or not. The plant is drawing nutrients via the roots so that may be enough. Does the female flower photosynthesize,IDK? Unless you just don't like looking at it I'd leave it.

Perhaps some of the cycad gurus can give some input @Merlyn @Tracy @GeneAZ