What does the cryptic crossword clue "Coat woody plant after removing bark? (6)" mean?

The definition is "Coat". The wordplay uses a deletion. REE (synonym="REE") + FER (synonym="FER") = REEFER; definition: "Coat" The answer is REEFER.

Coat woody plant after removing bark? (6)

Times Cryptic #29006 | 20 Across | 2024-08-27 flower