Maybe it is a part of the tree that went inanimate. Reverse evolution.
It could happen.
If we start looking today, I am quite positive we will find transitional’s that are partly alive and partly un-alive. Evolution doesn't always seek out complexity like we have been predicting, just the survivability of rocks. I am making a scientific prediction that baring catastrophe this newly found inanimate tree will outlast a Bristle Cone Pine.
As smience journal, a pear-reviewed fruitful magazine, stated, "This would be different than petrified wood. We are currently convinced that this is a new form of evolution, the leap from life to non-life without the normal "dieing" process.
This is strong evidence that supports our worldwide scientifically excepted theory.