Is Fukien Tea used for hedges in Thailand?

[kd2000]

I'm trying to do a research on hedge plants commonly used in Thailand.

I'm based in Chiang Mai. When driving around I found many square shaped hedges which look as this:

This has been introduced to me by Thai people as "Chia Fukien" which in English would be Fukien Tea. However I can't find any guide or information on it being a hedge plant. Most google links relate this plant with a bonsai. Nothing on hedge.

Usage stated in Wikipedia is just this:

"The plant is popular in Penjing in China. The leaves are used medicinally in the Philippines to treat cough, colic, diarrhea and dysentery"

I also found topics on this forums which introduce Privet as a most common hedge plant in Thailand. Thought for a moment that it must be same thing under different name, but in fact it is different family of plants.

So I wonder if I'm on a good track. Is Fukien Tea rely a hedge plant?

Also what would be a Thai name for Privet Plant?

Edited February 19, 2016 by kd2000

[islandguy]

I am looking into this plant now. Called cha (tea) Hokien (probably another name for the Fukien province of China). Used a lot for hedges where I live and recommended by my landscape guy in CM. He is both a nurseryman and graduate landscape designer. Works well as a hedge, not easy to push through it when mature. Seems to need a lot of pruning to maintain shape tho. Did you find any other plants used for this in Thailand?

[islandguy]

Carmona retusa

[islandguy]

Decided on sai gawli, a kind of ficus. Probably the most used hedge plant, not so suitable for regular shapes after pruning.