Hollow stuff, child lacking in love (6)
I believe the answer is:
bamboo
'hollow stuff' is the definition.
'bamboo' can be an answer for 'stuff' (bamboo is a kind of stuff). I am not sure about the 'hollow' bit.
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bamboo that I've seen before include "Giant tropical grass" , "Woody tropical grass with hollow stems" , "Type of cane" , "Giant woody grass" , "Tall wood plant" .)