Can anyone please shed any light on this bark disorder? I suspect a bacterial infection, either Pseudomonas or something similar. The plant in question is 8 or more years old, grown from seed, planted in a container and apparently healthy apart from this blight on the bark. Here are three photos taken today, showing the afflicted area: I do not know if some physical damage occured first and allowed the pathogen in, or if the infection is systemic within the plant. Interestinglly, a few inches below the current problem is a healed/healing bark issue that has led to a distinct bulging of the stem: Apart from these two areas the bark seems perfectly healthy. Living in a mild climate zone I usually have very few health issues with my Japanese maples, as they are not usually stressed much. Thanks in advance for any advice.
