Crossword Genius

Sort of note-pad flutters from tree (5-4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

loose-leaf

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

'tree' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'sort of note-pad flutters from' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'of' could be 'o' and 'o' is found in the answer.
'note' could be 'f' (musical note) and 'f' is located in the answer.
'from' could be 'o' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'o' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for loose-leaf that I've seen before include "With pages that can be easily rearranged" , "Like some folders" , "Describes binder with allows addition and removal of pages" , "(Of a folder) with removable sheets" , "Allowing the insertion and removal of pages" .)

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