Crossword Genius

Something to make war on, it's growing (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rowan

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'growing' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'something to make war on' is the wordplay.
'war on' can be anagrammed to 'ROWAN'.
Though, I am not sure how the anagram is indicated.

'it's' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rowan that I've seen before include "Sort of ash" , "Canterbury" , "Atkinson or Williams" , "Red-berried tree" , "Tree bearing bright red berries" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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