Inquisitor 153

[RossR]

I have solved all of this except 9D: Tree type, second among conifers (4). I have MA_O. The wordplay of each clues throws up a superfluous letter, and for this one it has to be an E. Can anybody help me to my missing letter? And preferably also explain why?

[novalis]

There is a tree called mako. Will work on the word play.

[RossR]

Thanks, novalis, that's the nearest I've got to an answer too, but I don't see how any of the wordplay works.

[Jumbuck]

type = make
second among conifers = O (2nd lettter)

makeo

[RossR]

Thanks very much for that, Jumbuck. I am no longer ashamed I didn't see it!