Crossword Genius

Trees, evidently of some antiquity (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elders

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

'trees evidently' is the definition.
'elders' can be an answer for 'trees' (I've seen this before). I am not certain of the 'evidently' bit.

'some antiquity' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'antiquity' could be 'eld' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'eld' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'ers' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for elders that I've seen before include "One should respect these" , "plants?" , "Officers in some churches" , "Senior trees?" , "Sage" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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