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Down 17. Tree for mother - excellent pine put up (8)

I have MAGNOLIA

My logic:
Magnolia is a tree
MA= mother
PINE=LONG (up, i.e. backwards)

From where does the IA come? A1=excellent? (backwards) A bit tenuous but I accept that - just wondering if there's any other explanation ?

Hi Cbp,

You have it.

Here’s what Chambers says about A1…

A1 /ā wun/ adjective
1. Indicating a first-class vessel in Lloyd's Register of Shipping
2. Hence first-rate or excellent

Yes I thought so. I am fairly sure that "AI" has a new meaning these days though. Or so I've heard... It's especially entertaining to hear it pronounced in a strong West Country accent.