That thing I think you mean is the spur. It is filled with nectar. When a insect, in this case a moth or butterfly, lands on the flower they must pass the sexual organs in order to get the nectar. Thus pollinating the flower.

Are we talking about the little pod like things under the first (top) set of leaves under the flower?

yes. that "sticks out.".

thanks

Here is a link that might be useful: Spur picture (spur = arrow)