Crossword Genius

Nice dark timber (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cedar

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

'timber' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'nice dark' is the wordplay.
'CEDAR' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cedar that I've seen before include "Raced around a mighty tree" , "representative of Lebanon?" , "Tall conifer" , "Raced around noble tree" , "Raced around a great hardwood tree" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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