Crossword Genius

Trunks of trees or roots seem impenetrable initially (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

torsi

'trunks' is the definition.
('torso' can be a synonym of 'trunk')

'trees or roots seem impenetrable initially' is the wordplay.
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
The first letters of 'trees or roots seem impenetrable' is 'TORSI'.

'of' is the link.

(Another definition for torsi that I've seen is " Rare parts of statues".)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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