Poison Mushroom

Poison Mushroom
Type	Power-Up
Debut	Super Mario Bros. 2 (Japan)

The Poison Mushroom (also known as the Poison Shroom) is a harmful version of the Mushroom that will cause damage to or shrink the player.

Information

The Poison Mushroom is usually a deadly item that has the opposite effect as the Super Mushroom. It has several color variations, although it usually has only a slight color variation from the normal Super Mushroom or is purple, sometimes with a skull patten. Its exact effect varies from time to time, although it usually shrinks or causes damage.

It was introduced in the Japanese Super Mario Bros. 2, where it would shrink Mario or Luigi down to normal size if they were using a power-up, or it if they were already small it would end their life. They also made an appearance in Donkey Kong GB, where Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. would sometimes toss them at Mario. In this game, they would temporarily shrink Mario and deprive him of his normal abilities. Additionally, some ghosts would toss small Poison Mushrooms in Luigi's Mansion, which would temporarily shrink Luigi while making him lose treasure.

Similar items appeared in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars; the Bad Mushroom is sold at Seaside Town and can be used to poison enemies, while in Monstro Town the Goombette Triplets sell corrupt mushrooms that, when used, actually turn the user into a mushroom and take away 30 HP. They also appear in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door as Poison Shrooms, created by having Zess T. mix a Slow Shroom with Inky Sauce or a Trial Stew with Dried Bouquet. Eating it will cause the player to lose half HP and become poisoned, although there is a strange chance that will restore all HP if Mario is wearing the Feelin' Fine badge. Within the game, it is said that Ghost T. died from eating a poison shroom. They also appear in Super Paper Mario, where they are dropped by enemies and can be used in more recipes.

In Super Mario Kart, Princess Peach and Toad (when controlled by the computer) both can toss Poison Mushrooms at the player that will temporarily shrink them until they find a normal Mushroom. They also appear in Mario Party 3, where they can be used on the player or opponents, and will reduce roll to 1-3. It also played a role in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, where Mario becomes sick after accidentally eating one, and Luigi winds up finding Crabbie Grass to cure them.

Other Appearances

• Poison Mushrooms appear as items in both Super Smash Bros. Melee and Super Smash Bros. Brawl, where they are a slightly different hue of red from the Super Mushroom and temporarily shrink down whoever touches it. An accompanying trophy appears in both Melee and Brawl.