Crossword Genius

Refute it? Maybe about right. It could provide apples (5,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fruit tree

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

'it could provide apples' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'refute it? maybe about right' is the wordplay.
'maybe' is an anagram indicator.
'about' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'right' becomes 'r' (common abbreviation).
'refute'+'it'='refuteit'
'refuteit' with letters rearranged gives 'fruittee'.
'fruittee' enclosing 'r' is 'FRUIT TREE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for fruit tree that I've seen is " Perhaps apple".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app