Spectator 2235

[saladdodger]

30d Least honest HQ gets stumped (6) ?A?EST

23d Bird below heavenly body that's often in leaf (9, two words) ?LA?E?REE plane tree? flame tree? where's the bird?

[saladdodger]

thinking 30d might be base st

[donny48]

planetree
planet = heavenly body
ree= The female of the ruff = a type of pigeon

[donny48]

basest for 30d

[donny48]

23 plane tree
planet ree

planet = heavenly body
ree= The female of the ruff = a type of pigeon

I think this is a clearer explanation

[saladdodger]

Thank you donny48 ... perfect!

[donny48]

Pleased to help.

[hankir]

I have solved all but three unclued answers.

13d. I can guess the second half but not the first 5 letters.
22a. No idea. What are the first and last letters.
43a. I can guess the first part but not the last 5 letters.

Hints please.