Crossword Genius

Parasite left on tree, destroying billions (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

leech

'parasite' is the definition.
(I know that parasite can be written as leech)

'left on tree destroying billions' is the wordplay.
'left on' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation. I am not sure about the 'on' bit.).
'tree' becomes 'beech' (beech is a kind of tree).
'destroying' is a deletion indicator.
'billions' becomes 'b' (abbreviation).
'beech' with 'b' removed is 'eech'.
'l'+'eech'='LEECH'

(Other definitions for leech that I've seen before include "Annelid worm, used in medicine of old" , "Blood-sucking worm or parasitical person" , "Worm - sponger" , "Bloodsucker; early doctor" , "Archaic word for physician" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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