I think "usernametaken" is trying to find out about that specific vegetable eaten in upper hilly region of Nepal.... it is the new shoots of "nigalo"....  Not many people in Kathmandu or other cities know about it..... It is really nice actually....

Asparagus is kurilo... which is also a stem vegetable but it is not "tusa" you are looking for.... kurilo is not that common but is a very healthy vegetable, high in antioxidants and vitamin K, only few traditional farmer in kathmandu grow that but it is commonly used in most European dishes...

Karela.... is karela.... bitter guard is not the proper English name as it is not a European vegetable.... mostly common among Chinese and Soun Asian community......