Crossword Genius

Their thorns can cause sores (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

roses

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

'their thorns' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'cause sores' is the wordplay.
'sores' can be anagrammed to 'ROSES'.
However, I am not sure how this is indicated.

'can' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for roses that I've seen before include "Flowers for watering cans?" , "Bloomers" , "northern counties, symbolically" , "''. . . . . are red, violets are blue''" , "''They are not long, the days of wine and ...'' (Dowson)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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