Crossword Genius

These trees have no great variety (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bonsai

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'variety' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bonsai that I've seen before include "Mini-tree growing" , "small growth" , "specimen with restricted roots?" , "Japanese art of growing dwarf trees" , "Bosnia (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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