Crossword Genius

Snake found by maiden in plant (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

madder

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'plant' is the definition.
The answer is an example.

'snake found by maiden in' is the wordplay.
'snake' becomes 'adder' (adder is a kind of snake).
'found by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'maiden in' becomes 'm' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'adder' after 'm' is 'MADDER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for madder that I've seen before include "Red dye; more barmy" , "Plant; more insane" , "more bananas" , "More angry or frantic" , "Rot" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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