Crossword Genius

Plant, end of stem becoming black, declined (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ebbed

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

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

'plant end of stem becoming black' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'black' could be 'bb' and 'bb' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'eed' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ebbed that I've seen before include "Diminished" , "Flowed back or receded" , "Went out like tide" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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