Paras
The Mushroom Pokémon
Type: Bug/Grass
Official Registration #: 46
Entry: The mushrooms that grow on the backs of these small, mite-like pokémon are called tochukaso (not to be confused with caterpillar fungus, which is also known as tochukaso among the people of Johto, Kanto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh). In East Asian medicine—particularly in the Tibetan, Indian, and Chinese traditions—tochukaso that are gathered and dried may be powdered and included in pastes, teas, and other recipes that either cure or alleviate a wide variety of ailments. (This process does not harm the paras, and in fact, the mycelium of their mushroom system is usually left intact, meaning the fruiting bodies may regrow within a few days.) Contrary to popular belief, despite its status as a keystone for traditional medicine, tochukaso is not a psychedelic. It is, however, mildly poisonous when consumed raw and may lead to acute stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting. Also contrary to popular belief, the author does not know this from experience.

Parasect
The Mushroom Pokémon
Type: Bug/Grass
Official Registration #: 47
Entry: The evolved form of paras, by battle experience. Upon evolution, the paras mite’s mind is wholly suppressed by the mushroom growing on its back. If left to its own devices, the mushroom will puppeteer its mite host from one food source to another, typically the sap-rich trees of the Safari Zone or the mineral-rich salt deposits within the cave systems of Johto and Kanto. If tamed, however, the mushroom may be placated with pokémon kibble, but it will likely prefer virtually anything that can rot, from old food to gym socks. Trainers should note, however, that using your pokémon as garbage disposals is not exactly harmful but still not a habit that the author particularly recommends.