Crossword Genius

Eastern open country antelopes eating a small tree (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elaeagnus

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'tree' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both plants as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

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I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.
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