Crossword Genius

Prisoner to leave African flower (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

congo

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

'african flower' is the definition.
'Congo' can be an answer for 'flower' (Congo is an example). I am not certain of the 'african' bit.

'prisoner to leave' is the wordplay.
'prisoner' becomes 'con' (abbreviation for 'convict').
'to leave' becomes 'go' (to go is to depart or leave).
'con'+'go'='CONGO'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for congo that I've seen before include "African river flowing into the South Atlantic" , "Africa's second longest river" , "Second longest river of Africa" , "Wide river" , "African river/republic" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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