Crossword Genius

Studies plants, say (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reads

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This could be a double definition.

'studies' is the first definition.
('read' can be a synonym of 'study')

'plants say' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reads that I've seen before include "Studies (at university)" , "Looks at and undertsands the written word" , "Understands written language" , "Scans" , "Peruses" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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