To investigate the structural characteristics of the ferredoxin-encoding gene ZmFdx5 in tropical maize(Zea mays L.) and elucidate its functional role in abiotic stress responses, the ZmFdx5 gene was successfully cloned from the tropical maize inbred line CML288. Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis and phylogenetic reconstruction were performed to characterize the ZmFdx5 protein, while its expression patterns under drought and salt stress conditions were systematically examined. The results showed that the ZmFdx5 gene comprised a 585 bp open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 194 amino acids. The deduced ZmFdx5 protein contained a conserved fer2 superfamily domain and was characterized as a hydrophilic, unstable protein that lacks both a signal peptide and transmembrane domains. The protein was predominantly composed of random coils and α-helices. The ZmFdx5 protein may functionally interact with proteins including NAR1 and ferredoxin-thioredoxin reductase(FTRC). ZmFdx5 was located within the photosynthetic ferredoxin group, further supporting its classification as a photosynthetic-type ferredoxin in maize. Furthermore, ZmFdx5 exhibited a closer phylogenetic relationship with C4 monocot species such as sorghum and switchgrass. ZmFdx5 was predominantly expressed in leaf tissues and demonstrated significant responsiveness to both drought and salinity stress conditions.