Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Hardy Hibiscus, 1 by cnswift

cnswift wrote:
Here's another question for the tropical experts. (I finally took the time to photograph all my oddities in the garden) This is my hardy hibiscus. I was cleaning out the dead undergrowth and noticed this at the main stock. Does this look normal? The plant appears to be healthy, but I'm not sure if this is the start of some disease or just how it's suppposed to look. None of my other hardy's look like this. Please advise.

Thanks much, Christina :)