Crossword Genius

More widespread tree over well… (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rifer

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'more widespread' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'tree over well' is the wordplay.
'tree' becomes 'fir' (fir tree is a kind of tree).
'over' is a reversal indicator.
'well' becomes 'er' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'fir' back-to-front is 'rif'.
'rif'+'er'='RIFER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rifer that I've seen before include "Commoner" , "More abundant" .)

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