What does the cryptic crossword clue "Bananas, except top banana (7)" mean?

The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). BAR (synonym="‘except’") + KING (synonym="‘top banana’") = BARKING The answer is BARKING.

Bananas, except top banana (7)

Guardian Cryptic #29624 | 16 Down | 2025-02-21 flower