Crossword Genius

English author, really empty, leaves say? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

greenery

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'leaves say?' is the definition.
(green leaves)

'english author really empty' is the wordplay.
'english author' becomes 'greene' (Graham Greene, 1904-1991. I am not sure about the 'english' bit.).
'empty' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters).
'really' with its middle removed is 'ry'.
'greene'+'ry'='GREENERY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for greenery that I've seen before include "something naturally colourful?" , "Colourful display" , "Living foliage or vegetation" , "Leafy vegetation" , "fresh leaves on the tree" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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