Monkey Puzzle Slime?

Hi there. I've provided a few photos here, hoping to show what I'm talking about. Our monkey puzzle tree lives in a pot on the back deck in the summer and will winter indoors. It seems to be doing 'ok'. The ends are a little droopy, which concerns me a little, but more than that, what is this slime in the centre of the top growth? I see some small mites elsewhere on the plant today, and will treat with neem oil. Is the slime related? Please help explain to me what is happening. Thank-you.

 

Is it actually slimy / gooey? Or is it sticky, like resin?

 

It's sticky, like glue.

 

Something, perhaps just heat, has killed the growing tip, and the plant has produced resin to seal off the dead portion.

Monkey-puzzles are very good at regenerating a new growing point, so it will be OK unless the brown dead foliage extends further.

 

Thank you!! That gives me a little hope.