Crossword Genius

Union line upset about to bloom (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tulip

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

'bloom' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both plants as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'union line upset about' is the wordplay.
'union' becomes 'U' (common abbreviation as in Trades Union Congress).
'line' becomes 'l' (used when specifying particular lines from a poem).
'upset' becomes 'tip' (I've seen this in another clue).
'about' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'u'+'l'='ul'
'ul' placed into 'tip' is 'TULIP'.

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tulip that I've seen before include "It blooms in 11 down" , "Spring bulb" , "Spring-flowering plant" , "Popular garden flower from Amsterdam?" , "Plant of the lily family with a single showy flower" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.