It grows in three directions (4)

I believe the answer is:

reed

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'it grows' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'in three directions' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'REED' is hidden in the letters of 'three directions'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reed that I've seen before include "Blade of tall marsh grass" , "Tall grass at water's edge" , "Carol" , "Bilk had one" , "Marsh or water plant" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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