Barren areas (7)
I believe the answer is:
deserts
'barren areas' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for deserts that I've seen before include "parts of Africa" , "Kalahari and Gobi" , "Leaves" , "Arid areas" , "Sahara and Gobi" .)