The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SNAKEWOOD
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The straight part
We know that "tree" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case tree = snakewood.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SNAKEWOOD mean?
SNAKEWOOD noun- Brosimum guianense (family Rosaceae), an Amazonian tree having hard, speckled wood that resembles snakeskin; used in musical instruments.
- Acacia xiphophylla and Acacia intorta (family Fabaceae), trees with curving, snake-like limbs, antive to Australia.
- Any of various North American shrubs of the genus Colubrina (family Rhamnaceae), often specifically Colubrina texensis.
- Any of the shrubs of the Americas in genus Condalia (family Rhamnaceae).