The Santa Cruz Island fringepod (Thysanocarpus conchuliferus) is a rare and endangered flowering plant species endemic to the Channel Islands of California. It belongs to the family Brassicaceae and is commonly known as the "Santa Cruz Island lace-pod". The plant is an annual herb that produces a delicate and intricate lace-like structure of tiny flowers, and is adapted to survive in the harsh and arid environment of the islands.

Description: The Santa Cruz Island fringepod has slender and branching stems that grow up to 30 centimeters in height. Its leaves are deeply lobed and grow in a rosette at the base of the stem. The flowers are tiny, white, and arranged in a lacy structure that resembles a delicate lace veil. The plant produces seeds in flat pods that are fringed with bristles.

Habitat and Distribution: The Santa Cruz Island fringepod is found only on Santa Cruz Island, one of the Channel Islands of California. The plant prefers to grow in rocky and arid soils in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats.

Ecological and Conservation Importance: The Santa Cruz Island fringepod is an important component of the coastal sage scrub ecosystem and provides habitat and food for a variety of native insects and birds. It is also a cultural and spiritual symbol for the Chumash people, who have long lived on the islands.

The Santa Cruz Island fringepod is listed as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service due to habitat loss and degradation caused by human activities, such as grazing and development. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore the plant's habitat, and to reintroduce it to areas where it has been lost. These efforts include habitat restoration, seed banking, and public education about the importance of protecting endangered plant species.