Crossword Genius

Local offices - they bear leaves (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

branches

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This could be a double definition.

'local offices they' is the first definition.
The definition suggests a plural noun which matches the answer.

'bear leaves' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for branches that I've seen before include "Divisions of the trunk" , "Divisions of a main stem" , "Subsidiaries" , "Divisions of a larger organization" , "Parts of a tree or of a large organisation" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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