Panax is the common name. Polyscias guilfoylei is the botanical name of the most commonly used species for a tall hedge. It is not invasive and it is not a native. Whether or not you should plant something else is entirely dependent on what your needs are and the conditions at the site.

ilima

From what I have been told, Panex is attractive to termites and should not be grown near any buildings. I particularly like the moss curled leaf variety. Nice and tight and seems to be compact.