Crossword Genius

As dye plant, use some vanilla (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

anil

'as dye' is the definition.
'anil' can be an answer for 'dye' (I've seen this in another clue). I am unsure of the 'as' bit.

'plant use some vanilla' is the wordplay.
'ANIL' is hidden within the letters.
But, I am uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.

(Other definitions for anil that I've seen before include "Shrub providing indigo" , "Shrub yielding indigo" , "West Indian shrub, source of indigo" , "Indigo (plant or dye)" , "It produces dye" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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