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I came across this phrase in a book:

> 緑なす半島

Obviously (and also confirmed by
[Weblio](http://www.weblio.jp/content/%E7%B7%91%E3%81%AA%E3%81%99)) it is
describing a quality of the peninsula, but I'm curious as to what exactly it
means, and how/when it can be used.

I found a [forum
discussion](http://www.guidetojapanese.org/forum/viewtopic.php?id=6094) on its
use as compared to `なる`, but it doesn't seem to me to be used in the same way
as where I found it. (It generally concluded that is was a transitive version
of `なる`...which I can't say is wrong, but I don't think I really understood
what they were trying to say, and I think it requires a particle {`を`?} in
order to be used like that.)
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question
grammar usage
What is the meaning of なす? Specifically when preceded by a color
In this case, なす appears to translate to something like "made" or "like" (as
in, "made-green" or "like-green" in regards to the growth of foliage.) 緑なす can
also relate to one having glossy, dark hair.

But I would suggest that なす preceded with a color does not always equate to
this type of usage. 緑 seems to be special as it relates to natural colors or
foliage (see second definition on [this dictionary
entry](http://www.weblio.jp/content/%E7%B7%91).)

In regard to the actual use of なす here, it may historically be a remnant from
poetic usage. See [this possible
explanation](http://cgi21.plala.or.jp/mizuhote/oshietebbs/oshiete.cgi?pastlog=0002&no=636&act=past&mode=allread)
(No.640) for more information (though this is only, evidently, speculation.)

Although it's not preceded by a color, this possible explanation cites a use
of なす in a particular poetic verse by
[加藤楸邨{かとうしゅうそん}](http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%8A%A0%E8%97%A4%E6%A5%B8%E9%82%A8)
([reference](http://www.weblio.jp/content/%E7%81%AF%E3%82%92%E6%B6%88%E3%81%99%E3%82%84%E3%81%93%E3%81%93%E3%82%8D%E5%B4%96%E3%81%AA%E3%81%99%E6%9C%88%E3%81%AE%E5%89%8D)):

> 灯を消すやこころ崖なす月の前
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answer
nasu is a suffix that is attached to nouns and means "like" or "similar to".
Some of these phrases are more common than others such as 山なす大波 "a mountain-
like large wave".

But in this case, "midori nasu" is a common phrase meaning for trees and
plants to grow in abundance. So it is a peninsula rich in plant life.
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answer