Crossword Genius

Sweet substance a chameleon originally left in woody plant? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

treacle

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

'sweet' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both things that one consumes for nourishment as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'substance a chameleon originally left in woody plant?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'substance' could be 're' (Re is an example) and 're' is found within the answer.
'a' is within the answer.
'left' could be 'l' (common abbreviation) and 'l' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for treacle that I've seen before include "Syrup, molasses" , "refined product" , "Contrived sentimentality - sticky substance" , "Saplike stuff" , "Sweet, sticky stuff" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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