Crossword Genius

In Mali, a natural climber (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

liana

'climber' is the definition.
(climbing plant)

'in mali a natural' is the wordplay.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'LIANA' is hidden within 'mali a natural'.

(Other definitions for liana that I've seen before include "Rainforest climber" , "Woody climbing (usually tropical) plant" , "Tropical vine" , "Jungle creeper" , "Climbing-plant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app