They say it's an important little fruit (4)

I believe the answer is:

kiwi

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'fruit' is the definition.
(kiwi fruit is a kind of fruit)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for kiwi that I've seen before include "N Zealand bird" , "Fruit and flightless bird" , "Someone from Auckland?" , "'Fruit, bird and NZ rugby player (4)'" , "Symbol of New Zealand" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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