Tree far from sapling? (5)

I believe the answer is:

elder

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'tree' is the definition.
(elder is a kind of tree)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for elder that I've seen before include "Senior - presbyter" , "senior church member" , "Senior leader" , "Tribal leader; tree" , "Senior member of a tribe" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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