Lashed around tree (3)
I believe the answer is:
ash
'tree' is the definition.
(ash is a kind of tree)
'lashed around' is the wordplay.
'around' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'ASH' is hidden within 'lashed'.
(Other definitions for ash that I've seen before include "Fire's remains" , "Remnant from fire" , "Wooden" , "deposit" , "Tree with keys" .)