These strange black accretions are the final stage of Beech Blight Sooty Mold (Scolias spongiosa) a fungus which only grows on the honeydew secreted by Beech Blight Aphids AKA Boogie-woogie Aphids. It is an obligate species, it will only grow on the copious honeydew provided by this one aphid species.
The fungus starts as a black fuzzy mat, thickens to a brown furry stage and then swells into a spongy golden yellow heap. Finally it turns black.
For more on Boogie-woogie aphids see the blog entry for August 16, or check them out online.
John
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