Crossword Genius

Large tree, birch (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lash

'birch' is the definition.
(I know that birch is a kind of lash)

'large tree' is the wordplay.
'large' becomes 'L' (eg in clothes sizes).
'tree' becomes 'ash' (ash is a kind of tree).
'l'+'ash'='LASH'

(Other definitions for lash that I've seen before include "Flog" , "Secure with rope" , "Whip or scourge" , "Whip; securely fasten" , "Bind tightly with a rope or cord" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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