Spectator 2450

[MalcVo]

Have followed other Q and A's for this puzzle but am in the dark over 25d. Very old women being singular (8). I have *O*ESS*S and am reasonably confident on the letters so far. The only word I can find is CONESSIS. This is a type of tree for which I can see no connection with the clue. Am I going wrong somewhere?
Increasingly Desperate of Suffolk

[Nical]

Vowesses- V ery O ld W omen +Esse+S(singular).

[MalcVo]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I would never have found that.

[Neveracrossword]

Glad I could help, MalcVo. I'd done the crossword myself, so it was just a matter of remembering!