Bougainvillea, is there an issue?

[Shoshin]

I recently purchased this bougainvillea. I noticed on the trunk and branches hard black bumps. They seem to rub off easily and the bigger bumps crumble. Is this normal? I am afraid there is some sort of fungal issue but cannot source it online or in any literature.

 

[Wires_Guy_wires]

When wood gets shaded and stays damp, there are a couple hundred species of black mold/fungus that can grow on a trunk. Most of them are harmless.
A toothbrush scrub can be enough to clean it up.

 

[LanceMac10]

Most likely harmless surface mildew from growing in a hothouse. I wouldn't worry...'cept of course, keeping it alive in Strafford!!

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I had quite a few bouganvillea in my landscape in SoCal. I don't see any problems. Because the bark is naturally light-colored, you are just more aware of the micro-flora that exists on most woody plants. If you had an oak tree you would never even notice it Yes, with bouganvillea their bark on older sections of the plant develops flaky nodules that brush off easily when handled. Generally you want to leave them alone, because they will continue to occur naturally, and they give the tree the character of age. They are quite dry and crispy and crunch under your hand (for lack of a better description).

 

[Forsoothe!]

I agree with everybody who can see things in the photo. I can't see anything.

 

[Shoshin]

Thank you all for the feedback, I appreciate it!