A tree originating from northern Colombia, the Monkey-pot tree, can be found in dry, open, and disturbed habitats.
The Monkey-pot tree has a distinctive cup-shaped fruit, characteristic of the genus Lecythis. The seeds of the fruit are reddish-brown, fusiform, and contain toxic amounts of selenium. The nuts of the tree are edible. In indigenous medicine, the fruit is believed to have antiasthmatic and depilatory properties. Additionally, an oil derived from the seeds of this tree, known as Paradise Nut Oil or Lecythis Minor Seed Oil, has been recognized as a green ingredient in the cosmetics industry for skin benefits​​. Photographed in the north coast of Colombia where it is common.