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Makes effort to uproot large plant receiving variable shade at first (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exerts

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

'makes' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with ownership as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for exerts that I've seen before include "Brings into use, say strength" , "Brings into use or to bear" , "Brings something to bear forcefully" , "Makes strenuous effort" , "Forcefully applies (pressure)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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