Buddy plant (5)

I believe the answer is:

holly

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'buddy plant' 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?

This is all the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for holly that I've seen before include "Tree with prickles" , "Prickly Christmas decoration" , "Evergreen tree with spiky leaves" , "Shrub with red berries" , "Prickly tree" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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