Crossword Genius

Man has planted first tree (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

maple

'tree' is the definition.
(maple is a kind of tree)

'man has planted first' is the wordplay.
'man' becomes 'male' ().
'has' indicates putting letters inside.
'planted first' becomes 'p' (mst letter of 'planted').
'male' enclosing 'p' is 'MAPLE'.

(Other definitions for maple that I've seen before include "Type of syrup" , "Its leaf is the emblem of 8 down" , "Tree with winged fruits" , "----- leaf: symbol of Canada" , "Cathedral city in Devon" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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