Leaves a contribution for the salad (5)

I believe the answer is:

basil

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'leaves' is the definition.
(I have seen 'aromatic leaves' mean 'basil' so perhaps 'leaves' could also mean 'basil')

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for basil that I've seen before include "serially chaotic character" , "Aromatic herb in pesto" , "Saint" , "Name of male" , "Herb of mint family" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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