Crossword Genius

Radical going around tree was discontented (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

repined

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

'discontented' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'radical going around tree' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'radical' could be 'r' (chemistry abbreviation) and 'r' is present in the answer.
'tree' could be 'pine' (pine is a kind of tree) and 'pine' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ed' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'was' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for repined that I've seen before include "Grudged" , "Was not happy" , "Fretted; was discontented" , "Expressed discontent" , "Regretted" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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