Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Monkey-pot \Mon"key-pot`\, n. (Zo["o]l.)
   The fruit of two South American trees ({Lecythis Ollaria},
   and {L. Zabucajo}), which have for their fruit large,
   pot-shaped, woody capsules containing delicious nuts, and
   opening almost explosively by a circular lid at the top.
   Vases and pots are made of this capsule.