I live in Longwell Green, Bristol and have a cherry blossom tree in my front garden.
Just noticed these black growths on one of the branches of the tree but no where else.
My first thought was black knot disease but the "blobs" look too smooth, and also a quick search didn't find any references to its occurring in the UK:
Maybe someone else will recognize it. If not, and if you are, or know, an RHS member they will diagnose things like that if you submit the photo to their diagnostic service (I assume it is still a free service to members).
Name: James Anacortes, WA (Zone 8b) (Heat zone - 1, Sunset zone - 5)
Looks like coal fungus (Daldinia concentrica) https://www.google.com/search?...
If it is in fact coal fungus, you should be able to knock it off and keep an eye on the branch area to make sure it doesn't spread. They're handy for being utilized as tinder or fire-starters.
I am not an early bird or a night owl--I am some form of permanently exhausted pigeon
Name: James Anacortes, WA (Zone 8b) (Heat zone - 1, Sunset zone - 5)
Thanks for the link, Sue! Cramp Balls--very interesting. Just searched for that separately and apparently men used to carry them around in their pockets to ward off cramps
I am not an early bird or a night owl--I am some form of permanently exhausted pigeon
