Retrospective analysis relies on access to long-term growth series to understand and interpret the structural functioning of tree crowns, as required for their sustainable management. The aim of this study was to assess the development and adaptation of crown shoots in Khaya senegalensis and Pterocarpus erinaceus to a changing environment, to prepare for the establishment of permanent plots. The growth unit (GU) morphologies of the axes of 420 young, adult and old individuals were analysed in full sunlight or shade during the rainy and dry season in seven locations in Côte d'Ivoire. The results show that the morphology of these growth units is an indicator of both development expression and developmental difficulties in tree species. Heterogeneous habitat had no significant effect on growth unit morphology (P > 0.05) in either species. The morphology of the growth units varied from one location (climate) to another due to their distinct environmental characteristics (P < 0.05). The southern part of the gradient (Toumodi and Bouaké in the central region of the country) offers favourable and hence priority areas for reforestation programmes based on the two species. The age of the individuals influenced the number of phytomers per growth unit (P < 0.05). Young individuals (cuttings) are good ideotypes for the selection of suitably resistant genotypes. Whatever the species, the rainy season increased the success rate of plot establishment. The growth units of the two species are of practically the same size (P > 0.05). Our results could be a guide to decisions for the selection of suitable environments for the implementation of reforestation or agroforestry programs based on K. senegalensis and P. erinaceus and aiming to conserve and sustainably manage these species in the current climate change context.