Crossword Genius

Biodiverse area with ground on fire: cover-up by right-leaning despot? (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rainforest

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

'biodiverse area with ground on fire cover-up' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'by right-leaning despot?' is the wordplay.
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'right' becomes 'rain' (I have seen 'The right' mean 'rain' so perhaps 'right' could also mean 'rain').
'leaning despot?' becomes 'forest' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'rain'+'forest' is 'RAINFOREST'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rainforest that I've seen before include "area of the Amazon?" , "Dense luxuriant tropical zone" , "Luxuriant tropical woodland" , "has lots of tropical trees" , "high-growth area" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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