Crossword Genius

Plant taking top off pipe after time (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

thistle

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

'plant' is the definition.
(type of plant)

'top off pipe after time' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'top' could be 'ist' (resembles 1st) and 'ist' is found within the answer.
'time' could be 't' (abbreviation) and 't' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'taking' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thistle that I've seen before include "Scottish plant emblem" , "Lithest (anag) - plant" , "Flower of Scotland" , "National emblem of Scotland" , "The list includes Scottish emblem" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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