Equate to plant growth (5)

I believe the answer is:

liken

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'equate' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for liken that I've seen before include "Equate" , "Represent as similar" , "Compare" , "Point out the resemblance (to)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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