Nelumbo nucifera
Based on a detailed botanical analysis of iconography and ancient texts, "Nelumbo nucifera", also known as the "sacred lotus", is another candidate for "soma". The description of "soma" in the Vedic texts somewhat resembles "Nelumbo nucifera". "Nelumbo nucifera" is a waterlily that produces golden-red flowers on stalks. These flowers resemble portions of the ancient texts comparing "soma" to an arrow and the sun. Other Vedic hymns describe soma as having a "ruddy radiance", possibly reflecting the colour of the flowers of "Nelumbo nucifera". "Soma" is also described in the Vedic hymns as growing "joint by joint, knot by knot", which is a good description of a plant that grows by producing procumbent shoots with nodes and internodes. In addition, benzoisoquinoline alkaloids found in "Nelumbo nucifera", including aporphine, proaporphine, and nuciferine, are psychoactive, producing feelings of euphoria when ingested.