Crossword Genius

Basil, maybe, heading off in good time to get flower (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

gerbera

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

'basil' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both plants as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'heading off in good time to get flower' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'good' could be 'g' (abbreviation) and 'g' is found in the answer.
'time' could be 'era' (era is a kind of time) and 'era' is present in the answer.
'flower' could be 'r' (abbreviation) and 'r' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'maybe' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for gerbera that I've seen before include "Bright daisy-like plant" , "It's a bloomer" , "Coloured daisy-like flower" , "Barberton daisy" , "S. Afr. composite plant (seen in florists)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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