Mushroom dealer Pianta

"Whew! You saved me! Thanks a bundle!"

- Mushroom dealer Pianta

The mushroom dealer Pianta is a recurring character in Super Mario Sunshine. He carries mushrooms on his back and is usually spotted running around, having caught on fire. He usually rewards Mario with a special item if he is put out with F.L.U.D.D.. Despite supposedly dealing in mushrooms, Mario may not purchase anything from him.

Early in the game, the mushroom dealer appears in Delfino Plaza, wandering around. After enough Shine Sprites have been collected, he will be on fire, running up and down on the east side of the plaza in front of the merchants and fruit stands. He occasionally turns around, though remains in a straight line. Should Mario spray him with water for some time, the flames slowly subside, and eventually disappear. If spoken to after this, the dealer thanks Mario and rewards him with a Blue Coin. After he is settled down in the plaza, the dealer remains in front of the police station. If spoken to, he tells Mario the plaza is becoming brighter due to the return of the Shine Sprites, and that he is expecting to be roasted by the sun again, possibly hinting toward why he caught on fire in the first place.

A yellow version of him appears in the Red Coin Field. When this one is doused, he gives Mario a Red Coin.

The vender returns in the third episode of Pianta Village. However, due to not having access to F.L.U.D.D. at the start of the episode, they must reobtain F.L.U.D.D. first. Then, they may locate the dealer on the east side of the village, running alongside a pile of crates. Dousing out his flames and speaking to him earns Mario another Blue Coin.

Additionally, the mushroom dealer may be found within the bonus area of the fifth episode of Pianta Village. Upon reaching the platform with Strollin' Stus, Mario must turn around to find a small platform attached to a tightrope. On this platform is a Red Coin, a regular Pianta, and the vender, running in a small circle. If he is doused on a subsequent playthrough of the level and spoken to, Mario is given a 1-Up Mushroom for his efforts.

Quotes

 * "Whew! You saved me! Thanks a bundle!"
 * "Wow! This place is almost as bright as it used to be!"
 * "I'm ready for that sun to burn me to a crisp again."
 * "Oooh, now that's a tall mushroom!"