Mystery-origin black crust thing on the bark of this tree. Low down on just one side, in a dark patch on the bark. It had no smell. There did not appear to be evidence of burnt anything nearby. It was brittle, very thin, dry. The texture of one side was fiberous/cellulose-looking like the tree bark more or less, other side was smooth and somewhat shiny.

Microscopy to be added. Was definitely fungal, by appearance/texture and odor (classic sweet wild mushroom smell predominantly). On a shrub/tree that is identified as American plum (Prunus americana). We have samples of it. Order Exobasidiales to start with.