English explorer retrieved firm leaves for burning (7)
I believe the answer is:
tobacco
'leaves for burning' is the definition.
'tobacco' can be an answer for 'leaves' (tobacco leaves). I'm unsure of the 'for burning' bit.
'english explorer retrieved firm' is the wordplay.
'english explorer' becomes 'cabot' (I've seen this in another clue).
'retrieved' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'firm' becomes 'co' (a firm is a company).
'cabot' backwards is 'tobac'.
'tobac'+'co'='TOBACCO'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tobacco that I've seen before include "Plant associated with serious health risks" , "Smoker's leaves" , "20 [CASTRO] 's favourite leaves" , "Dried leaves for smoking" , "plugs, perhaps" .)