What does the cryptic crossword clue "American tree: ending of climb by absolute idiot (9)" mean?

The definition is "American tree". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). B (synonym="last letter or ‘ending’ of climb") + UTTER (synonym="absolute") + NUT (synonym="idiot") = BUTTERNUT The answer is BUTTERNUT.

American tree: ending of climb by absolute idiot (9)

Independent Cryptic #11870 | 3 Down | 2024-10-25 flower

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