It grows in midstream, we’re told (4)
I believe the answer is:
tree
'it grows' is the definition.
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tree that I've seen before include "Genealogist's work" , "eg Lime" , "Plane perhaps" , "Large plant with trunk" , "trod the boards" .)