Crossword Genius

For leaves, Flora of South Africa (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

protea

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

'for leaves' is the wordplay.
'for' becomes 'pro' (as in being 'pro' or in favour of something).
'leaves' becomes 'tea' (as in tea leaves).
'pro'+'tea'='PROTEA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for protea that I've seen before include "South African shrub" , "S.African flowering shrub" , "South African evergreen" , "South African plant" , "S. African shrub; to pear (anag.)" .)

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