Crossword Genius

Heartless male student in contact with head (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

melon

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'head' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both plants as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'heartless male student in contact with' is the wordplay.
'heartless' suggests removing the centre.
'student' becomes 'l' (as in L-plates for learner drivers).
'in contact with' becomes 'on' (to be on something is to be touching it).
'male' with its middle removed is 'me'.
'me'+'l'+'on'='MELON'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for melon that I've seen before include "Killing" , "Large sweet gourd" , "Sweet juicy gourd" , "Member of the gourd family" , "Cantaloupe fruit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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