Leaves are not imaginary, with tons to pick up (5)

I believe the answer is:

exits

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'leaves' is the definition.
('exit' can be a synonym of 'leave')

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for exits that I've seen before include "Leaves the stage" , "Departs" , "Withdraws" , "Egresses" , "Goes out, leaves" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app