Crossword Genius

Trunks suffering erosion on a tree, say (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

beachwear

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'trunks' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'suffering erosion on a tree say' is the wordplay.
'suffering erosion' becomes 'wear' (I've seen this in another clue. I am not sure about the 'suffering' bit.).
'on' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'a tree' becomes 'beech' (beech is a kind of tree).
'say' shows a homophone (sound like).
'beech' is a homophone of 'beach'.
'wear' put after 'beach' is 'BEACHWEAR'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for beachwear that I've seen before include "Speedos for one" , "holiday gear" , "Bikini, for instance" , "Trunks, bikinis etc" , "Holiday clothing" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
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