Crossword Genius

Animal returned to tall, hollow plant (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'tall hollow plant' is the definition.
'reed' can be an answer for 'plant' (reed is a kind of plant). I'm not certain of the 'tall hollow' bit.

'animal returned' is the wordplay.
'animal' becomes 'deer' (I've seen this in other clues).
'returned' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'deer' reversed gives 'REED'.

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reed that I've seen before include "Oliver perhaps" , "One of two in a 25 [OBOE]" , "'It vibrates in a clarinet, say (4)'" , "Vibrator in the mouthpiece of a wind instrument" , "Tall grass that grows in swamps" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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