Tree snake about to pierce tailless young animal? (6)

I believe the answer is:

baobab

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

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

(Other definitions for baobab that I've seen before include "Exotic tree" , "Growth seen in Africa" , "African fruit tree" , "The monkey bread tree" , "Monkey-bread tree" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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