Crossword Genius

A growing boy (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

basil

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This could be a double definition.

'a growing' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

'boy' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for basil that I've seen before include "Aromatic herb with purplish-green leaves" , "Seasoning" , "A herb; --- Brush, Fawlty" , "serially chaotic character" , "Name of male" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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