Crossword Genius

Compares as some say compound plants (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lichens

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'compares' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'some say compound plants' is the wordplay.
'some' says to take the centre.
'say' becomes 'click' (clicking is a kind of saying).
'compound plants' becomes 'hens' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
The middle of 'click' is 'lic'.
'lic'+'hens'='LICHENS'

'as' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for lichens that I've seen is " Tiny grey and green plant growths on rocks and tree-trunks".)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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